Photos from last year’s Ciderfest and CiderMan Triathlon.

By Tara L. Simmons

FARMBOY AND HIS BRIDE

A long time ago, a boy met a girl, asked her to see the movie Princess Bride, and they fell in love. After getting married and traveling the world, they settled down in a small town almost in the middle of the United States—Millstadt, Illinois. They bought some land and animals, started a farm, and named it, in honor of their first date, Buttercup Ranch & Creamery.

The “farmboy” is Rich MacKeen, and his bride, Mary. They wanted to farm for three reasons:

• Teach their children (6 of them!) discipline and a work ethic

• Learn where their food comes from and how to provide for themselves

• Produce wholesome, grass-fed, nutrient-dense, hormone- and chemical-free food

All their children learned how to milk a cow by hand. They also spent countless hours helping clear the land so that they could have a beautiful space. Now their kids have all grown and left home but are responsible adults who appreciate their upbringing.

THE START OF CIDERMAN

The farm and land were so scenic and peaceful, the MacKeens couldn’t keep their “little slice of heaven” to themselves, so they started having a party in the fall where the guests brought different kinds of apples, and they made fresh apple cider with a homemade press. There were lots of games and activities such as tug-of-war, canoe races, and even an obstacle course! They called their annual party “CiderFest.”

The family would get together every year and have what they call a “hotwash,” where they talked about what went well, and what they could do better. Each time, someone came up with another creative idea to make the party even more fun.

One year, their oldest son, who loves cycling, suggested they have a sprint triathlon on their farm. They have this event the same weekend as CiderFest, so it was christened the CiderMan Sprint Triathlon, and opened up to the public.

Their triathlon is always on Patriots’ Weekend, or the time when we remember 9-11. They honor the Captain of American Flight 11, John Ogonowski. Rich had worked with his brother, Jim, in the Air Force. The Ogonowskis also share a love of farming, as Jim runs Ogonowski Farm, where they specialize in growing mums, pumpkins, corn stalks and hay bales (ogonowskifarm.com).

Buttercup Ranch & Creamery is proud to give twenty percent of all the proceeds to Millstadt’s local first responders (10% to the police department, 10% to the fire department) so that we “Never Forget” the sacrifice of John and all the many other people on that day.

One of the greatest lessons learned from 9-11 is the resilience of the American people. We did not crumble and fall apart like our enemies hoped we would, but we all banded together to get through it. So, while they are somber on this day, the MacKeens and their friends also celebrate the American spirit by hosting and running a triathlon and have fun doing it!

The first year they had about 20 participants who enjoyed themselves so much, they come back year after year. Participation continues to grow, and last year, the fourth annual, 95 people came out and raced!

HOW IT WORKS

There are so many ways to enjoy the CiderMan. You can run the whole thing or get a relay team together.

Not sure about swimming? There’s a paddle option! Or do the duathlon (run-bike-run). There’s an AquaBike choice if you don’t want to run.

Those that aren’t ready for a triathlon can also do just a 5K Run or a 20K Bike. They even have a 5K Fun Run/Walk, if that’s your thing. They want everyone to get outside, get healthy and have fun!

If you’re doing the Sprint Triathlon, you’ll start in Buttercup Ranch’s 3-acre lake and do a 500m loop, then bike and run in the scenic countryside of the Millstadt area.

When you first arrive at Buttercup Ranch & Creamery, you will see welcoming red and white teardrop signs announcing their partner, Alpine Shop. This company started doing the timing for them last year and did an incredible job! They use timing systems from Innovative Timing Systems—ITS’ equipment and the chips are virtually indestructible! The MacKeens are excited to be partnering with them.

To add to the fun, they also host a Big Band Concert the night before. Scott Vignassi and his Big Little Big Band come out and play Count Basie style jazz and swing. Scott and many members of his group are current and former Air Force Band members. Other services recruit their band members from within their ranks, but Air Force goes out and finds professional musicians in the public and asks them to join. These guys are phenomenal!

You can even get up and dance, if you’d like! They will also have another local band as an opener.

$20 per car gets your group into the combined event.

It gets even better. Local balloonists will inhabit the field for a spectacular balloon glow.

Roy-El Catering, a homegrown business, will also be there with their “Taste of the States” food truck. You can purchase some amazing food such as St Louis Smash Burgers and brisket sandwiches (you’ve got to try the French fries!). These guys love helping out the community and Buttercup Ranch & Creamery is excited to work with them to bring fun and deliciousness to the metro St Louis area.

Donut Den will be back to serve up their freshly made donuts and frozen apple cider.

Race participants and volunteers can also make a whole weekend of it and camp on the farm. There are fire pits where campers can cozy up by the firelight and enjoy the peaceful outdoor evenings by the lake.

Here’s the lineup of events:

Friday, September 5

Saturday, September 6

  • 6–6:45 am: Triathlon package pickup
  • 7–11 am: CiderMan Sprint Triathlon

VOLUNTEERS

Interested in the CiderMan, but maybe don’t want to race? You can come out and help! There’s lots to do.

There are many different volunteer positions available, as the CiderMan is expecting their biggest crowd ever. They need people to help with Registration, Packet Pickup, Course Marshalling, Lifeguarding and First Aid. Even offering a cold cup of water to a weary racer is one of many positions available.

The CiderMan staff are super excited that Team River Runner is going to be providing assistance with their members and canoes to keep everyone safe in the water!

Sponsors are also needed. While the farm has a handful of faithful local businesses who help every year by giving resources or monetary donations to the CiderMan, there is always room for more!

Three different sponsorship levels are available. The farm categorizes their sponsors like apples:

No.1, Fancy, and Extra Fancy.

Depending on your support level, you can get your logo on the back of the fun and incredible t-shirt, put business cards and info in the race packets, and have free table space at the triathlon.

Vendors can come, for a small fee, and set up a table selling their wares to the participants, volunteers and supporters. This event is a great time to get your business known to people who come from all over the nation to participate in the triathlon!

Want to sign up as a participant, volunteer, sponsor or vendor? Or have questions?

Contact Rich or Mary at 618-719-5214 (text or call) or email Mary at mary.buttercupranch@gmail.com.

Farmboy, his bride, and everyone at Buttercup Ranch & Creamery are looking forward to a great turnout at their CiderMan Sprint Triathlon this year! Buttercup Ranch and Creamery is located at 3801 Douglas Road, Millstadt, IL.

More information can be found at buttercup-ranch.com or at Facebook/Buttercup Ranch & Creamery.

While the MacKeens love for people to come to their events, they invite you to have your own event on their farm. That’s why they started Hidden Waters Weddings and Event Venue. You can have your wedding, reception, reunion, corporate get-together, birthday party or really any event. You are only limited by your imagination!

Check out their venue at hiddenwatersvenue.com or on Facebook.