To the editor:

We often ask our patrons, supporters, followers and friends, “What does it mean to you to be from a small town?” It’s a subjective question intended to spark an interest and start a conversation.

To us, calling Saranac Lake home is about more than geography or circumstance; It is about support, camaraderie, community and solidarity. It is about remembering that we are all neighbors and, in a sense, one family.

It is with that sentiment in mind that we began the Turkey Trot — a simple 5K run/walk for charity — in 2015. Now, after having completed our third Trot, we are astounded and touched to see what our simple community event has become.

By the numbers, the Turkey Trot has raised nearly $40,000 since 2015. With support and participation from more than 100 local sponsors and close to 600 race-day runners, we have been able to feed, clothe or otherwise aid members of our village who may otherwise go without — to us, this is what being from a small town is all about!

Please take a moment and applaud your community for stepping up in such fine fashion, while reading over this list of community sponsors that have given generously in order to keep their village happy and healthy:

Bear Essentials Apparel, ArtKaleid Designs, McKenzie’s Grill, Adirondack Surgical Group, Community Bank N.A., Nori’s, Kiwanis International of Saranac Lake, Norton’s Construction, Red Fox Restaurant, The Porcupine Inn, Rock Hard Fitness, Borracho Taco, Hyde Fuel, Wilkins Insurance, Domenico Property Management, Robert E. White Attorney at Law, Say Rentals and Say Real Estate, Guide Boat Realty, Prime Lending and Franny Preston, Havas Impact, Moody Tree Farm, John Muldowney Law Practice, M.J. Raymond Construction, D.P. Development and Brian Draper, Carcuzzi Car Care Center, Cantwell Jackson Design, Key Bank, HomEnergy, Cape Air, Blue Moon Cafe, Tops Markets, Blue Line Brewery, America’s Mattress, Hulbert Supply, John Ward Studio, Hotel Saranac, Amusement & Vending, Hammersong, Legend Electric, J.M. Munn Office Machines, Origin Coffee, Ampersand Biosciences, Jreck Subs, Rice Furniture, Madden’s Garage, Curtis Lumber, Ampersound, Roots Salon, T.F. Finnigan’s, Blue Line Sports, S. Curtis Hayes, Dunkin’ Donuts, Ace Hardware, Pendragon Theatre, Saranac Lake Women’s Softball League, Ayres Insurance, BluSeed Studios, Casier Furniture, Trudeau Sand and Gravel, Adirondack Bank, AMA, Dockery Chiropractic, SLove Health Club, Geomatics, Crua Outdoors, Mirror Lake Chiropractic, Romano’s Saranac Lanes, Custom Building Unltd., Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters, Studio 518, Spencer Boatworks, the Waterhole Music Lounge, Verizon, Lakeview Catering, VanBee & Co., Rumble Construction, Tail O’ The Pup, the Small Fortune Studio and Upstone Materials.

If you made it through the entire list, we hope that you’re as impressed and inspired as we are. We hope that you feel as fortunate to call Saranac Lake your home as we do. We hope that the next time someone asks you what it means to be from a small town, you can answer with conviction, confidence and passion, knowing that your community has always got your back!

Deep thanks and love,

Johnny Williams and your Bitters & Bones family

Saranac Lake