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Barnsider celebrates 35 years

| 26 Sep 2014 | 01:50
    Government officials along with members of the Sugar Loaf and Warwick Chambers of Commerce joined Walter and Matthew Kannon in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the Barnsider Tavern's 35th anniversary. From left, Orange County Legislator John Vero, Chester Town Supervisor Alex Jameson, Sugar Loaf Chamber of Commerce Vice President Nick Zungoli, Walter A. Kannon, owner Matthew Kannon, Chester Town Clerk Betty Reilly, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce President Sherry Bukovcan, New York State Assemblyman James Skoufis and Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michael Johndrow.
    Government officials along with members of the Sugar Loaf and Warwick Chambers of Commerce joined Walter and Matthew Kannon in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the Barnsider Tavern's 35th anniversary. From left, Orange County Legislator John Vero, Chester Town Supervisor Alex Jameson, Sugar Loaf Chamber of Commerce Vice President Nick Zungoli, Walter A. Kannon, owner Matthew Kannon, Chester Town Clerk Betty Reilly, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce President Sherry Bukovcan, New York State Assemblyman James Skoufis and Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michael Johndrow.

SUGAR LOAF — In 1965, the Kannon family purchased Roger Conklin's general store in Sugar Loaf and began selling weathered barn wood, hand-hewn beams and wide board flooring.

"Seeing the need for a 'gathering place'," wrote Walter Kannon, "my sons Michael and Matthew and I converted the general store into 'The Barnsider Tavern' in 1979 - a tavern which reflects the warm hospitality of local taverns years gone by. Proudly, the year 2014 represents 35 years of ownership by my son, Matthew Kannon."

On Thursday, Sept. 18, state, county and local officials along with members of the Sugar Loaf and Warwick Chambers of Commerce joined Walter and Matthew Kannon in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the Barnsider Tavern's 35th anniversary.

Matthew Kannon has owned and run the Barnsider Tavern since 1980 when he graduated from Syracuse University. His father, Walter, had originally bought the property to house the antiques and architectural artifacts he collected while operating his business of selling barn siding and hand hewn beams. Some of the items one could find in the shop were old hardware, tools, trim, farm implements, and Ball jars.

He and his sons built that tavern with a barn siding and hand-hewn beam interior. The building's front windows reflect this past by displaying a comprehensive collection of old carpentry tools, which serve to greet and create a visually interesting, inviting and comfortable ambiance.

Applejack was a favorite spirit in Sugar Loaf and its surroundings. Today, the Barnsider serves Black Dirt Applejack, much like taverns of old. For the past 35 years, the Barnsider has been providing friendly service in a cozy taproom and several dining areas on two levels including a sunroom. The tavern atmosphere offers a warm and cozy place to have parties, meetings and large gatherings with a rustic touch.

Located in the center of town at 1372 Kings Highway, the Barnsider Tavern has ample off-street parking and reservations are not needed.

For additional information call 845-469-5175.