1. The mighty keg toss at the annual Breadalbane Gathering & Games, hosted by the Great Sacandaga Brewing Company held in Broadalbin
BROADALBIN, NEW YORK – Summer is here, so let the games begin! And what better kick of then the now annual Breadalbane Gathering & Games, hosted by the Great Sacandaga Brewing Company held in Broadalbin, this Saturday, May 24 at noon.
The Highland Games originated in Highland Scotland centuries ago, yet they continue almost everywhere in Scotland, as well as here in Fulton County, New York. These games remain a celebration of Scottish identity, culture and pride which has endured through the ages.
The games themselves are usually characterized with track and field events, as well as heavy events like keg tossing, tug-of-war and decathlon style throws. Of course the signature Great Sacandaga Brewing Company’s Breadalbane Scottish Ale, an exclusive premium craft beer created especially for this local event, can be experienced, as well as food and music. On Saturday, after the ceremonial Tapping of the Keg, the new 2025 Breadalbane Scottish Ale can design will be revealed, featuring last year’s selected athlete.
Memorial Day significance? Meet your host Erik Stevens, Owner/Founder of the Great Sacandaga Brewing Company. Stevens, together with his wife Jerrianne opened his doors five years ago in 2020. Stevens, Army Engineer Major (RET), is an accomplished US Army Officer with a decorated career planning and executing dozens of military operations, served two combat tours in Iraq; one in Command of an Engineer Company. With a fine respect for the American Military, he understands first-hand the solemn sacrifice and significance of this American Holiday.
As a beverage brewer, Stevens brewed under various conditions and circumstances throughout his tenure. He was responsible for four batches of beer, brewed under combat stress for the purposes of morale, welfare, and recreation of fellow Professional Military Colleagues. Today, the Sacandaga Brewing Company is a New York State farm brewery, using 100% New York grown grains and hops. He has experience and success at brewing on a smaller scale since 1988, and has gained knowledge and developed recipes in collaboration with other brewers. Stevens has now named a Head Brewer, Josh, who has creating some of the latest new tastes.
Broadalbin, New York significance? Beginning around 1793, Scottish native Daniel McIntyre, an anti-revolutionary pioneer, who resided near what is now Perth Center, is ascribed the honor of naming Broadalbin, after his native place in Scotland, (Breadalbane.) It originally embraced the town of Northampton on the north, Saratoga County on the east, Perth on the south, and Mayfield on the west. The first town meeting was held at the house of Daniel McIntyre, on Tuesday, April 1st, 1794. McIntyre’s Scottish heritage helped name this area and its surrounding neighbors such as Perth, Galway and Edinburg.
Stevens Military background together with Broadalbin’s Scottish heritage served to be the perfect fit to host a Memorial Weekend event with Highland Games being the focus. Stevens, teamed up with Mac Dlllman, Founder/Director of the Empire Throwing Club from Albany, New York created the annual Breadalbane Gathering & Games, now in their third year.
New for 2025, will be adaptive classes for adaptive athletes. Also this year, throwing competitors can choose from three different Military charities to throw for: Great Sacandaga Brewing Company, Broken Caber Adaptive Athletics, Veteran’s Time to Thrive, Inc.; Capital Region Veterans Memorial; or the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition. Portions of their fee will be donated to their charity of choice, the rest will go into the purse for the winning team’s charity of choice.
“This year’s Gathering and Games will have something for everyone,” states Erik Stevens. “So get your kilt ready and come out for a great day of family fun. Slainte Mhath!”
Registration begins this Friday, 5 p.m. at the Great Sacandaga Brewing Company, 3647 NY-30, Broadalbin. The games are on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. For tickets, got to www.brewcentralny.com. For complete information on the event go to www.greatsacandagabrewing.com.
2. At center is host Erik Stevens, of the annual Breadalbane Gathering & Games, hosted by the Great Sacandaga Brewing Company held in Broadalbin
3. The Great Sacandaga Brewing Company’s Breadalbane Scottish Ale, a signature craft beer created exclusively for the annual Breadalbane Gathering & Games, hosted by the Great Sacandaga Brewing Company held in Broadalbin