Whiskey Run Registration Now Open in Whiteface Region – Down with Prohibition!
By Guest Blogger: Michael Martineau
Bet you didn’t know that Wilmington, NY, was a hotbed of whiskey running during Prohibition did you?
During the years of prohibition, which ran from 1920 to 1933, Wilmington, with its close proximity to the Canadian border, became a hub of illegal liquor manufacturing. Residents would not only distill moonshine, they’d welcome bootleggers crossing the border with open arms. The Whiteface Region was a safe haven for all those outlaws.
I mean, if you think about it, it’s a no brainer — especially with the entire Adirondack wilderness to stash your “inventory.” You know what I say? Well done Wilmington residents, and thank you for helping preserve the flow of alcohol during these dark days.
Now with all this boozy history, including the claim to one of the oldest whiskey barrel cooperages, US Barrel, in the country, it’s only fitting we celebrate it, right?
On June 17, 2017 the inaugural Wilmington Whiteface 10k Whiskey Run will take place. Beginning at 9:30am this 10k (6.2 mile) run will take you along state route 86, Bowman Lane, Fox Farm Road, and Indian Rock Road. All of which could have been roads on routes taken by bootleggers. Except this time around when you see the police on the route you won’t have to worry, they are actually stopping traffic for you.
Post-race festivities include lunch at Pourman’s Tap House, an awards ceremony, and free whiskey tastings by distilleries from the surrounding area. US Barrel will also be doing a live demonstration on barrel making, which if you’ve never seen, you’re in for a treat. You’ll also have a chance to win an aging kit so make sure you stick around after the race.
Basic Info:
Packet Pick-up: 8am -9:15am at Pourman’s Tap House
Cost: $30 ($35 day of race)
Parking: Pourman’s Tap House, Visitors Bureau, and on-street parking in Wilmington
Find out more & register today for the 2017 Whiskey Run!
This week in related ADK summer planning news:
