WEST SENECA, N.Y. — Wednesday marked the opening day of the 172nd season for the Mayer Brothers Cider Mill.
Manager Samantha McGraner said that people began lining up outside the store at 6 a.m., an hour before they opened. For much of the day the line was out the door, with customers eager to get their hands on their famous apple cider donuts.
The cider mill opened a week later than they normally do this year in order to align their schedule with that of the Erie County Fair. Even though they opened later than normal, McGraner says she's not worried about business at all.
"We have a very loyal customer base so weather its a week early or a week late, they are going to come out and support us," McGraner said. "The whole month of October is obviously amazing, and then Halloween is a big one for us, and then when we come around to Thanksgiving with all the pies that we have."
There are plenty of apple-flavored treats and apple cider for sale at the mill. Currently they are made with North American apples.
Once apple season begins in New York State, however, they will transition to the local crop.
Former manager Joy Kicinski said, "The apple crop, really, we're looking forward to it. It should be a sweet, plump, juicy apple this year, which is great for pressing."
She also mentioned that this may be the best crop they have had in the last few years.
Everyone who came to the cider mill today had a story to tell, whether it was their first time, or they had been coming for decades.
Tanya Wanat and Shirley Miller used to get apple cider donuts for Tanya's girls each year for a first day of school treat. The girls are grown up now and join their mom and grandma in the fun.
"My girls are grown now, so we usually just come every year, first day. We are usually the first ones here, but we are a little late today," Wanat said.
Anthony Blatto has been coming since he was young. He now brings his daughter Heather with him each year on opening day. They said they will be back at least 15 more times.
The Mayer Brothers Cider Mill will be open everyday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Nov. 30.