MERRILL, Maine — Apple Cider Day resulted in another well attended, successful event at Merrill Millstream Park.
This second annual event was well attended, approximately double the turnout as the prior year. Numerous families from Merrill, Smyrna, Island Falls, Oakfield, Linneus and Houlton brought their freshly picked and washed apples for grinding.
About 15 families showed up Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, to have access to a cider press, leaving with a fresh sweet cider.
Ken Bustard, the MMP Committee chair, explained they were still unsure what the turnout might be following the first year. “Frankly, we didn’t know if people from last year would be back, if word would get out, or just how many people or bushels of apples might show up. We ended up with just about double the participants from last year and were straight out for the whole four hours. It was fun. Not a single person was in a hurry, pretty much everyone got involved in helping others with their apples, either mashing them or helping pour into containers. The grinding process is a little more labor intensive than some realize. So, seeing everyone taking turns and helping each other out is great”, explained Bustard.
According to Bustard, 30 plus gallons of cider was processed. “The apples were great. Everyone came with them already rinsed off, which helped with the flow of things. Overall, apples are probably smaller this year, but definitely great quality. Each batch seems to have its own unique flavor, depending on the particular variety of apples used.”
Shannon Lloyd brought pears, which were shared with others. Everyone really likes the Pear/Apple combination, as the pears take a lot of the tartness out of the apples, making a really nice drink.”
This year, A Life Line participated in the day’s events by bringing some animals for people to see and interact with. Their entourage consisted of Miss Pickles, a mini horse, Lami the sheep, Joy, a small donkey and a larger donkey named Donkeyodie.
A Life Line is a non profit organization, located in Smyrna, that rescues larger animals from neglectful or abusive situations. The animals are stabilized at their location in Smyrna until an adoptive home can be found. Luetta Goodall, along with her husband Gary and daughter Brandie are the primary “farm hands” that tend to the varying needs of the animals in their care.
Anyone interested in any of the events at Merrill Millstream Park or getting involved can call the Merrill town office (757-8286) or Ken Bustard, Chairman of the park committee (659-2018 or email accountingcoach@gmail.com)
