Celebrate Fall at Wager's Cider Mill

Penny Carlton • October 10, 2025

Where Cider, Donuts, and Memories Meet:

Wager’s Apple Festival Returns

 

Fall in the Finger Lakes just wouldn’t be the same without a stop at Wager’s Cider Mill in Penn Yan. For as long as I can remember, Wager’s has been part of our family’s fall traditions — that first sip of fresh cider, the crunch of a just-picked apple, and of course, those famous cider donuts. If you were lucky enough to get there early in the morning, they were still warm — soft, sugary, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.


That’s why I’m so excited to share that Wager’s will host its Second Annual Apple Festival on Saturday, October 11th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a celebration of everything we love about fall — good food, family fun, and small-town charm — all in one place.


“We’re really excited to again welcome families to celebrate fall at our festival,” says Kaylee Wager, who, along with her husband Geoff, now runs the third-generation family business. “In our second year, we’re looking forward to seeing both new and familiar faces enjoying a great day in Penn Yan and the Finger Lakes.”


Admission is free, and there’s something for everyone — free face painting for kids, games, furry friends, and delicious tastings throughout the day. You can enjoy mini apple pies, cider donuts, sweet cider, cider slushies, and hard cider, plus free apple and cheese samples to savor the best of the harvest season.


Local vendors will add even more to the fun, including Kass’s Kettle Corn, October Farms Sourdough, Juju’s BBQ, Schieks Maple Products, Shear Skin, Arnold Farms, and Bluff Point Blooms. Vendors will accept cash, so be sure to tuck a few bills in your pocket for something tasty or handmade to take home.


If you’ve ever visited Wager’s, you know it’s more than just a cider mill — it’s a piece of local history. The Wager family has been pressing cider the old-fashioned way for generations, using their antique in-house apple press. Alongside cider, they offer over 26 varieties of apples each season, plus plums, peaches, grapes, and cherries. It’s a place that feels like home, no matter how many times you’ve been there.


Parking is limited at the mill, so visitors are encouraged to use Sherman Street, the American Legion’s back lot, or the Yates County Fairgrounds on the day of the festival.


So, grab your favorite sweater, load up the family, and head to Wager’s Cider Mill, 256 East Main St., Penn Yan, for a day filled with fall flavor, fun, and a whole lot of heart.

You can find more details on Facebook at facebook.com/WagersCidermill or visit wagerscider.com.


🍂 Warm cider, sweet donuts, and small-town memories — that’s what fall at Wager’s is all about. See you at the Apple Festival! 🍏


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