The Lemon Man Returns

Five years ago, Jerry Miller had never attended Piedmont’s . Now, he’s the lemon man.

Lassoed by co-chair Bill Drum while working on a school project, Miller was thrilled to discover the festival.

“I’ve been in Piedmont for about 25 years, but the festival was better known by people with elementary school age children and my kids were older,” he admitted, sounding almost embarrassed.

Now each year, when the plea goes out to the community, dozens of residents deposit bags and buckets of Piedmont-grown Meyer and Eureka lemons on Miller’s doorstep to be made into lemonade. People who are unable to pick their own invite him to harvest their crop.

“I’m a tree pruner, so it was natural for me to go out and pick lemons for people who no longer can do it themselves,” he explained.

With the help of approximately nine volunteers, Miller then presses the lemons into about 60 quarts of juice.

“We have hand squeezers," Miller boasted. “We do it ourselves during September, put the juice into containers and freeze it right away so it’s fresh.”

It’s a lot of work, he said, because the lemons are all different shapes and sizes.

“We got a machine to do the juicing one year, but we wore it out. People do a better job. Besides, it makes your kitchen smell good and it makes great compost.”

Miller’s favorite part of the festival, other than the 1,500 glasses of lemonade Piedmonters suck down each year, is the post-judging nosh of Edibles Contest entries.

“There are ten tables, each filled with 15 different concoctions. The thrill of going in and getting to taste the myriad of flavors—it’s quite a delight,” he said.

His role in the 2012 festival will expand beyond making lemonade and nibbling on pickles and preserves.

“I’m following Bill around and learning from him. He asked me to take his spot next year."

For now, Miller is still looking for lemons for the festival on Sept. 25. Drop him a line or give him a call if you've got some: eyesoworld@gmail.com or 510-547-8894.