It's hard to believe it's already the third Saranac Thursday of the year. One of the most important jobs at this party is the pouring of the beers. The task of serving ice cold and refreshing Saranac beers to thirsty patrons is a coveted position that is more popular than you may think!

For the past 17 years Saranac Thursdays has been one of the biggest fund-raisers for United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area. The brewery's overhead is decreased

Andy Cash/TSM
Andy Cash/TSM
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considerably with the use of volunteer beer pourers, because they don't have to pay staff members to pour. This leads to an increase in proceeds that are donated to United Way. The position of beer pourer is not an easy one to attain. This year 90 businesses and organizations have applied for the chance to participate and only 40 get selected.

Jordan Short is Marketing & Community Engagement Coordinator with United Way and she learned how popular this job was within her first few days of working with the organization. "On my second day I had two voicemails from people saying, 'you have us down for Saranac Thursday, right?'" This demonstrates another one of the many facets of what makes Saranac Thursdays great! It provides a good time with good friend and great beer, as well as contributing to the community. No matter what group is there on that particular Thursday, we can be grateful they are there and providing us that amazing nourishment. Be sure to say thanks and let them know they are appreciated!

Andy Cash's Saranac Thursdays Survival Guide

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