Lakewood’s Cider Days October 1, 2011

Lakewood’s Cider Days
Celebrating over 100 Years of Pressing Cider in Lakewood
LAKEWOOD, CO - Get ready to celebrate the 36th anniversary of Lakewood’s Cider Days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2 at Lakewood’s Heritage Center, 801 S. Yarrow St. (Wadsworth Boulevard and Ohio Avenue). Admission is $7 adults, $4 children. Visit www.Lakewood.org/HCA for additional details or call 303-987-7850.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, what is now Lakewood and the surrounding area was home to over 40 apple orchards. The use of farmyard apple presses was common among families and communities. These same vintage presses are one of the unique hallmarks of Cider Days at Lakewood’s Heritage Center.
How does an apple press work?
Apples are first placed in the hopper and with the turn of a wheel, gears grind whole apples into a mash the consistency of thick applesauce. Layers of this mash fall into a slatted basket lined with cloth. Using another gear, the press then squeezes the layers together causing the juices to flow out the slats, down a spout and into a container. This process yields some of the sweetest, fresh-pressed cider. Visitors to Cider Days, Lakewood’s signature festival, may bring their own apples or buy organic apples at the event, and then watch as these vintage presses create the event’s namesake to take home.
Cider Days also plays host to Colorado’s largest antique and vintage tractor pull. In partnership with the Rocky Mountain Tractor Puller’s Association, enthusiasts from all over Colorado travel to Lakewood to compete in this exciting and entertaining event. Complemented by the Front Range Antique Power Association’s displays of vintage machinery, engines, tractors and farm implements, the tractor pull impresses festival-goers with the engineering and beautiful restorations of these early mechanical marvels.
This event offers a variety of activities for the entire family – all included in the low-price admission. From mule-drawn wagon and barrel train rides to the petting zoo, kids and adults alike will enjoy this event complete with exhibitors, live entertainment and food. Guests will find interactive activities, educational exhibits, historic demonstrations, arts and crafts and commercial exhibitors. Admission also includes tours of the Lakewood’s Heritage Center 20th Century Museum.
The Lakewood Historical Society started Cider Days in the 1970s to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage and honor the settlers of the land that would become Lakewood, and the City has carried on the tradition. Proceeds from the event support educational programs at Lakewood’s Heritage Center, a 20th Century Museum.
Presented by the Lakewood Heritage, Culture and the Arts Division, the festival is sponsored by Scientific Cultural Facilities District, with appreciation to the citizens of SCFD, the Denver Post, Colorado Creative Industries, Bellco Credit Union, Foothills Credit Union, David Wiechman, Muller Engineering, and Tedford-Katz.
Call 303-987-7850 or visit www.Lakewood.org/HCA for more information and updates on the weekend lineup.