Posted on February 17, 2014
Berlin and Cazenovia bet a growler of locally brewed craft beer to the winner
(February17, 2014) — The mayors of the two leading municipalities in the “America’s Coolest Small Town” contest have made a wager that the losing community will provide compensation of a growler of locally brewed craft beer to the winner at the conclusion of the competition on February 25th.
Since January the Town of Berlin, MD has held on to a narrow lead in a nationwide contest sponsored by Budget Travel. Berlin was one of 15 small communities to be among the top small towns throughout America in the preliminary round of internet voting held last month. As the 15 semi-finalists vied for support, the contest has recently narrowed to the Town of Berlin, MD, followed closely in second place by Cazenovia, NY.
Over the President’s Day holiday weekend, the Mayors of Berlin and Cazenovia exchanged greetings and good wishes for success in the competition. During a phone conversation both Mayors agreed to wager the locally brewed craft beer originating from each community to be given to the winner of the “America’s Coolest Small Town” contest.
Berlin Mayor Gee Williams wagered a 64-ounce growler (bottle) of Burley Oak Brewery beer as one of the tasteful delights that has brought the town widespread recognition recently. “Of course, a Burley Oak brew will be a highly sought antidote for Berlin supporters everywhere, whether we come in first or second place, but I’d think it will taste better than ever, when we win,” Mayor Williams said.
If Berlin wins the contest, Cazenovia Mayor Kurt Wheeler promised Berlin one of the first growlers of beer from a new brewery that is starting construction in his town as soon as weather permits. Recently named the “Empire Farmstead Brewery,” the new brewery in Cazenovia will be one of the first in the state of New York to grow most of its craft beer ingredients, including the hops, on location.
The two leading communities in the coolest town contest share not only new craft breweries, but an emphasis on hospitality and quality of life, according to Mayor Williams. “After talking with Mayor Wheeler, I believe one of many things we agree on is that bigger is not always better and small towns with a positive attitude and a willingness to change, have a bright future in the 21st Century.”
Anyone with access to the internet can vote once each day until the end of the contest early next week. The town that receives the most votes on www.budgettravel.com by Feb. 25 will be the named the national winner and will enjoy the bragging rights to help promote their town and region.
Categories: News
