PAGE 6 • September 2017
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TABLE HOPPING
Business of Interest
by JANET LA FRANCE
Ballpark Brewfest When you hear the name Syracuse Chiefs, you think of baseball and beer is not the highlight of your visit. However, the Ballpark Brewfest features local brewers and distributors for this event. Last year, the Brewfest had over 1,500 patrons all on the concourse. This year’s goal is 2,000 guests to attend on Saturday, September 23rd from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Jason Smorol, the General Manager of the NBT Stadium and the Chiefs realized that this event has potential to be a spectacular event. “This will be our third year,” says Jason, “and this year we will be using the whole field. Last year was a lot of fun on the concourse, but we missed out on the beautiful weather.” So this year, Jason decided to move much of the festivities outside. “We’re expanding in many ways. The last two events, we catered all the food, but this year we’re inviting food trucks in to add diversity. We hope to expand a little more each year.” “We try to do something new each year. This year we going to try either a corn hole or a can jam. We’re also going to put a T near 2nd base and let folks try to hit the ball out of the park.” Another new feature will be the set up –New York State beers and ciders will be on the 1st base side of the field, and world beers will be on the 3rd base side. As we were speaking, a dozen other ideas came to Jason and he said, “See, there’s always something we can do to make it different and better. We hope to make the event grow in popularity and diversity each year.” In the future,
OPEN SATURDAY & SUNDAYS IN SEPTEMBER!
The Ballpark Brewfest features local brewers and distributors. It will be held Saturday, September 23rd from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at NBT Stadium.
one thing that may be added is live music. This year, the music will be provided by DJ Double Play. The interactive video board will add a new dimension to the program. What makes this event so different is the ability to speak with brew masters face to face and one on one. Some of the local brewers featured will be Fred Mack, Tim Butler and Pete Kirkgasser from Middle Ages brewery, Empire Brewery and Eastwood brewery. These local masters not only have excellent beer, but they willingly share their knowledge to others interested in brewing their own beer. “Each year we feature new products such as rare items where there is only one keg available” said Jason. “We will have at least 60-70 varieties of beer and hard cider.” The brewers there also will bring new blends for their customers to try, most of whom are beer aficionados and connoisseurs. There are also lots of SEPTEMBER 8TH safety features built into the stadium. It is completely handicapped accessible. Another perk to have the brewfest here SEPTEMBER 16TH is the parking. Parking is plentiful and FREE! And while they’ve never had a problem with security, DURING ALL SU & NFL GAMES each server is trained to identify individuals who HOME OF GIANTS FOOTBALL may become intoxicated. TAKE OUT AVAILABLE Just to make sure no one drinks and drives, KITCHEN HOURS: MONDAY–THURSDAY 6–11PM your designated driver FRIDAY–SUNDAY NOON–11PM can attend the fest free 209 OSWEGO ST., LIVERPOOL NY of charge. They will be
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21 WILCOX RD, FULTON, NY 13069
(315) 598-8016 • WWW.THUNDER-ISLAND.COM
ST. PATTY’S DAY PARTY DRINK & FOOD SPECIALS SEPTEMBER 8TH
315-453-9534
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