Wager’s Cider Mill, a family-owned apple business with deep roots in the Finger Lakes region, will hold its inaugural Apple Festival on Saturday, Oct. 5. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a day of family-friendly activities to celebrate the fall season and the local apple harvest.
“We are really excited to host this special event,” said Kaylee Wager, owner of Wager’s Cider Mill. “This event will bring new visitors to Penn Yan and the Finger Lakes region to experience how great the fall season can be. We hope to see this event grow each year!”
Free admission, local vendors, and family fun
Admission to the festival is free, though attendees should note that parking at Wager’s is limited. Visitors will be directed to nearby parking locations, including Sherman Street, the American Legion’s back lot, and the Yates County Fairgrounds.
The festival will feature a variety of local vendors, including Oh Fudge, Kass’s Kettle Corn, Juju’s BBQ, Bluff Point Blooms, and Shear Skin. All vendors will accept cash.
For families, there will be free face painting and a petting zoo with a $1 admission fee. Additionally, visitors can take part in u-pick apple activities and enjoy a selection of fall-themed treats such as mini apple pies, cider donuts, sweet cider, and cider slushies. Tastings of apples and cheeses will also be available at no cost.
A tradition of cider making
Wager’s Cider Mill, located at 256 East Main St. in Penn Yan, has been a staple of the community for three generations. Geoff and Kaylee Wager purchased the mill in 2020 from Geoff’s father, Craig, and have since expanded the offerings at the family business. While the antique apple press used to make cider the old-fashioned way remains a central attraction, the couple has introduced new items, including cider slushies and hard cider.
“The first addition we made was adding cider slushies when we took over,” said Kaylee. “Since then we have also expanded into offering smashed Hard Cider and are looking forward to hosting our first large-scale special event this Saturday.”
Wager’s Cider Mill is known for selling more than just apples, with plums, peaches, grapes, and cherries available throughout the season. This year, the mill will offer 26 varieties of apples.
More details about the event can be found on Facebook or at wagerscider.com.
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