BrewSki Saturday reckons to be record setter

by Dan McClelland

This Saturday’s 2026 BrewSki and Lions Fire and Ice snow golf tourney are shaping up to be one for the record books. A sell- out crowd, the best skiing and snowshoeing trail conditions in years and a large contingent of excellent trailside brewers are all pointing the combined event in that direction.

The Town Recreation Department, headed by Laura LaBarge, reports that pre-event ticket sales this year were so robust that the 1,300 ticket maximum was reached two weeks ago. It’s the earliest sell-out yet, in an event that continues to grow and draws outdoor-lovers from all over the northeast.

Some years the event saw little snow, but that did little to detract visitors and lovers of craft beer. The diligent trail crew farmed snow out of the woods and packed it onto the trails those years.

This year’s abundant snowfall, the most and heaviest in years, won’t make that practice necessary this year. It has allowed the skill crew of John Gillis’ volunteers to put the trail surface in the best condition in the event’s decade long history.

Some of those years saw the mercury rising into the fifties, which made for a wonderful spring-like day, regardless of snow cover.

The town recreation department’s Bill Cote has lined up 18 craft brewers from around the North Country and across the state to dispense their unique and tasty wares to thirsty beer lovers this year.

-And BrewSki fans are coming from all over the country and beyond: from as far away as California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Canada to experience Tupper Lake’s signature winter celebration.

Says Mrs. LaBarge this week, her town department’s tiny staff are thoroughly appreciative of the many donations of time and energy who will make this big winter event run like an expertly crafted time piece. Most notably are the half dozen members of the James C. Frenette Sr. trail crew. A big help too are the volunteers who have signed on to be admission workers, who will keep things running smoothly from the time guests arrive to the close in late afternoon.

In the heated pro shop visitors will also find Lions Club volunteers peddling chances on what is expected to be a huge 50/50 raffle this year with a prize expected to approach $2,500- if past events are any indication.

Mrs. LaBarge also acknowledged the plentiful preparation work of Bill Dechene’s Tupper Lake Highway Department for its site preparation work and continued support and behind-the-scenes efforts that help make this event safe and accessible for all.

This year’s costume contest theme is sure to add extra fun and flair to the trails, with anonymous judges selecting the most creative looks. Winners will receive the coveted prize of free passes to next year’s BrewSki. If the past is any indication, the costume on the merrymakers will be as creative as they are colorful.

In the early years of the event the craft beer-makers donated their products. In recent years the town has purchased their products so they bring enough so they never run out.

Very helpful too in making BrewSki the best it can be are its generous and community-minded sponsors: Adirondack Regional Federal Credit Union, Kavanagh Trucking, Franklin County Tourism- the Adirondack Frontier and SLIC Fiber. The public/private partnership helps BrewSki grow as a premier winter event, says the director.

Each year some of the fun of BrewSki is trying your hand at the Tupper Lake Lions Club’s golfing in the snow, dubbed Fire and Ice.

Make-shift teams of hearty golfers and non-golfers try the Lions course every year- hitting colorful tennis balls around the short but snow-covered course twice.

It’s all for bragging rights and fun!

The Lions will also have their brand new cook trailer on site at the driving range end of the woods trail, preparing delicious hamburgers and hot dog best served smothered with those tasty Lions onions.

Tickets on the Lions Club 50/50 will also be sold at the food wagon.

The fire part of the tournament will be another Lions camp fire not far from the mobile food wagon, and just big enough to warm the snow golfers and the BrewSki folks.