COOPERSTOWN, NY - The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard starts pressing fresh, sweet cider Saturday, September 4th, an autumn tradition for 154 years in the Upstate New York hamlet of Fly Creek just minutes from Cooperstown.

This 2010 pressing season marks the unusual long life of the equipment that has served the Mill and delighted its visitors. The Mill's Boomer and Boschert water-powered, water-hydraulic, rack and cloth press, purchased in 1889, uses the power of water from Fly Creek to turn a turbine that powers a pump that in turn creates pressure for squeezing ground apples. At that time the press was state-of-the-art technology which surpassed the screw and knuckle-joint presses commonly used in the printing industry.

"Our press was designed for greater speed and longevity as compared with other presses that used gear machinery to create pressure. The lower friction and wear of water pressure enables our press to continue making great-tasting cider all these many years," says Bill Michaels, co-owner of the Mill.

Secondly it is the 86th year for the Mill's two-cylinder, 25 horse-power stationary Waterloo Boy Tractor Engine shipped directly from the factory in 1924. This engine powers the grinder that grates the apples before pressing. Waterloo Boy Engines are the predecessors to those of the modern John Deere Company and the design basis of all their two-cylinder engines.

The Mill operates these two machines every weekend from Labor Day through Thanksgiving to produce the Mill's sweet cider. "Our famous cider does change in flavor throughout the season dependent on the apple varieties that are available. This year's early crop will allow us to use a larger mix of apple varieties for our early cider, creating a sweeter and well-balanced juice." says Bill.

On cider-making weekends Mill visitors can witness the actual production process in the Cider Gallery. While making cider Jack Stanton, production leader, explains the process and the use of an Ultra-Violet Light processing machine to achieve cider safety without the need for added heat that might change cider's flavor.

Beyond the Mill's award-winning, fresh sweet cider, however, there are many more flavors to experience. Visitors can taste all kinds of gourmet specialty foods and signature items such as Apple and Corn Salsas, Cave-Aged, Extra- Sharp New York State Cheddar Cheese, Fresh Fudge and current varieties of New York-grown apples. Also available for sampling are Hard Ciders and Wines from the Mill's Farm Winery and fresh-baked pies and breads from the Bakery.

The Mill's fall festival season starts Labor Day Weekend September 4th. The Cooperstown Lions Club Just Ducky Weekend is scheduled for September 11 & 12 followed by the popular Cooperstown Rotary Club Applefest, September 18 & 19. October events include the Big Squeeze Weekend for Breast Cancer Awareness followed by Ciderfest on Columbus Day weekend.

The Mill is located just minutes from the Village of Cooperstown in Central New York State. For a full line-up of events and to purchase the Mill's products on-line visit the website at www.flycreekcidermill.com or call the Mill to request a printed schedule or to place a phone order toll-free, 800-505-6455.