In a nod to the area’s rich history of apple production, the Wheat Ridge Historical Society will again sponsor the Apple Cider Festival on Saturday, October 11 from 10:00 to 2:00 at the Historical Park (4610 Robb St.).
Last year, the festival broke attendance records, but with that increase came the unfortunate expansion of the line to get apples processed into cider, a favorite activity for attendees. People informed WRHS staff that standing with apples in the heat for nearly an hour was “too much.” Yikes! We agree! Not only is the time in line a factor, but being tethered to one place is no way to enjoy a festival that has so much else to offer.
This year the cider-making portion of the festival has been reorganized, which should relieve the long lines. Here’s what attendees can expect:
• First, we’ve doubled the number of apple presses by calling into service the 100-year-old press that processed tons of apples in the late 20th century before being retired. Outfitted with new parts and a fresh, food-grade finish, the elder press will join the newer model. Two lines for visitors to grind their apples into mush, then press that mush into cider will make the operation move faster and allow participants a peek into a time when muscles powered machines.
• Another change designed to relieve time in line is a new numbering system. When attendees arrive with their apples and clean containers, they should go straight to the apple pressing area in front of the Implement Shed where they will receive a ticket for their $5 donation They can leave their apples in the shade and be free to explore the other activities and five museums in the park. Announcements over the PA system will call folks to the processing area when their number is near, giving them enough time to retrieve containers and get in a (much shorter) line.
• The amount of apples to be processed is another consideration. In prior years some folks arrived with wheelbarrows of apples, a situation unfair to those who brought a grocery bag of fruit to process and offer the kids a taste of fresh cider. This year each ticket will entitle the bearer to the equivalent of up to a five-gallon bucket (roughly a bushel) to process. Visitors may bring more apples, but will have to purchase subsequent tickets and go through the lines again for their next rounds.
Not having to stand in long lines means more time to enjoy the park and its offerings. Visitors can tour all five of the park’s museums free and enjoy live music, then cruise over to the Mile High Smokers food truck for some BBQ. Several stations will demonstrate “all things apple” with free samples of fresh apple sauce and skinny strings of apple peel. Baked goods from old family recipes will be available in the Soddy for a donation.
Don’t have any apples? We do! We don’t want anyone to leave empty-handed. See y’all at the Cider Festival!
