COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Saratoga Lions host 11th Night at the Brewseum
It was a night of history, spirits, and community support as the Saratoga Lions put on their 11th Night at the Brewseum event held at the Canfield Casino Friday night. Selling out for the third year in a row, more than 500 people came out to support the Lions and enjoy beverages and food from 50 vendors.
Night at the Brewseum is put on to raise awareness for the Saratoga Lions, as well as to raise money for the many organizations and projects they work with. This includes Camp Abilities Saratoga, a one-week overnight active education sports camp for children and teens who are visually impaired, diabetes education and awareness programs, support for youth programs around Saratoga Springs, and work with local food pantries.
“All the money that comes in, net of expenses, goes back out to the community,” John McDonald, one of the co-chairs of the event, explained. “It’s a lot of fun and we just have a great time raising a lot of money and a lot of awareness for the Lions.”
One reason McDonald and his co-chair, Jon Foster, believe that this event is such a smash hit with the community is that it is a high-class event that provides attendees with upscale fun, where everyone can be relaxed and have a good time while providing support for a great cause.
“The community recognizes the work we do, and the fact that we’re getting 50 vendors here with all their wares and that they’re (the vendors) donating that — people support that and are coming in knowing that the money they’re spending to enjoy it all is going to such a great cause,” McDonald said. “They’re more than happy to support this event, it’s really a great time and fun for everybody.”
From breweries to win
Night at the Brewseum is put on to raise awareness for the Saratoga Lions, as well as to raise money for the many organizations and projects they work with.
eries, cideries, distilleries, and meaderies, each of the vendors donates what they bring to the event free of charge. Over the years, good relationships have been formed between the Lions and these vendors, many of which have participated multiple times and some of which even provided donations for the silent auction.
“The reason we like taking part is because it’s a good way to see a lot of people who like the local breweries and support local businesses,” Ryan Farrell of Saratoga Apple shared. “It’s easy to support something like this and obviously it goes to the great cause of the Lions.”
Patty Kosiba, of Massanois Imports, shared that she has been involved in the event since its very first year, being the only wine seller at the first night at the Brewseum. She got involved through a friend and has come back each year to continue to come and take part.
“Obviously, it is for a great cause and, especially after the COVID pandemic, I think it is really healthy for us all to get out and the vet encourages people to support the Lions and have a good time, “Kosiba said. “We’re all participating and all helping.”
Jonathan MacKenzie, from Main Street Distillery, shared that it was his second year coming back to participate in the event, and what drew him in to participate again, along with all the good the Lions do, is the enthusiasm so many people bring to the event.
“To be honest, this particular area does have a particular energy,” MacKenzie shared. “Very pleasant people, I’m meeting a lot of people who I get to introduce myself and our drinks too. It’s just a particular energy that makes it feel like the right place.”
Just as much as the vendors love to come out and support the Lions and take part in the event, McDonald and Foster share that they love getting out into the community and connecting with the different local businesses too. The positive feedback they receive is just an added bonus.
“We spend a lot of time on the road, knocking on doors and visiting with everybody,” McDonald explained. “We have a blast doing it, it is a lot of fun to be out there just meeting really great people. Every time we walk in someplace, what we hear from everybody is that out of all the different events they do this (Night at the Brewseum) was their favorite.”
“Our club is here, and we’re here to support them and do everything we can to make their night comfortable, and they really, really appreciate the attention so they’re more than happy to support us and really help us out.”
Brenda Schworm of Back Barn Brewing Co. shared that it was McDonald who asked the company to come take part, which made them really excited due to their connection with their local Lions chapter. It’s now Back Barn Brewing Co.’s third year participating and they truly look forward to the event each year.
“We believe strongly in the Lions Club. We do a lot for our local chapter in Duanesburg and so when John McDonald came around asking us to support this we were thrilled,” Schworm said. “These kinds of events get our name out there and we love to meet the people and to support the cause.”
One suggestion McDonald made for those who come out, be it their first time enjoying Night at the Brewseum or if they were a returning attendee is to make sure you truly are getting around and checking out all the vendors have to offer. Be that sampling beverages or some of the food options like the Lobster Mac and Cheese Balls from Druthers to the carrot cake from Saratoga Gluten Free Goods or taking part in the raffle — there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.
“Just experience the whole place,” McDonald said. “Check out the raffles, there are some great prizes there, and then I would say just visit with everybody. We’ve got seven different restaurants — a lot of the events you go to you get to do some sampling, but if you want something to eat you have to buy a pretzel or hotdog. We have seven restaurants bringing a great display of food.”
“You have to check it all out and experience it. The restaurants, the breweries, the cideries — there’s just a lot to experience and have a fun time.”
More information about the event and a full list of sponsors and vendors is available at https://www. saratogaspringslions.com/ brewseum/. To learn more about the Saratoga Lions, visit https://www.saratogaspringslions.com.