Jay-K Lumber Celebrates 80 Years; Kids Costume Contest Saturday

A local business is celebrating 80 years in business. 

Jay-K Lumber on Seneca Turnpike in New Hartford first opened in 1937, but further down on Seneca Turnpike. When it began, Dean Kelly explains, it was located at what is today the entrance of Sangertown Square.

We spoke to Kelly to get a history of the business and what allows a locally owned lumber/home improvement store to continue today. The short is answer, Kelly says, is his employees.

Plus, take a listen to the video to learn about how a bootlegging investor had a hand in the store's development.

On Saturday, Jay-K is celebrating with a Halloween themed party including a costume contest for kids (11:00 - 5:00), a costume parade, in store trick or treating along with an appearance by Utica Comets' mascot 'Audie' and the Comettes. Kelly says they are holding a Utica Comets raffling off a team-signed Comets jersey and a Comets VIP Package with the proceeds benefiting the Feed Our Vets food pantry in Utica.

Parents who are bringing children to participate in the costume contest should arrive for registration between 9:45-10:45 on Saturday morning.