Centennial of Finnegan's Marks Historic Huntington Milestone July 26, 2012

Finnegan’s Restaurant & Tap Room, a local landmark since 1912 and the oldest continuous operating bar in Huntington, celebrates its 100th Anniversary this July. Now owned and operated by Lessing’s Hospitality Group, Finnegan’s continues its long tradition as the ‘Cheers’ of Huntington where friends go to enjoy good food, good cheer and good people.

BARTENDERS REUNITE
The centennial festivities kick off on Friday, July 27 with the Bartenders Reunion. More than two dozen Finnegan’s bartenders, some of whom will be flying cross-country for the special event and date back to the 1960s, will return to their previous haunt. Memories will be re-lived as they serve their favorite drink creations from behind the mahogany bar and reunite with old friends. For those who wish to go back in time to Finnegan’s speakeasy days during Prohibition, they may want to order a legendary whiskey sour.

LANDMARK MURAL GETS A TOUCHUP
Finnegan’s 34-year-old mural will also be dedicated on Friday, weather permitting. The unveiling will take place on Friday, July 20 at 7 p.m. Painted by local artist and Huntington native Phillip Charles Jordan, it is located on the outside wall of the building on Finnegan’s Way. In celebration of the 100th year, Finnegan’s invited Jordan to return and restore the faded mural to its former glory. (In an effort to document all the faces on the wall, Finnegan’s would like those who know anyone in the mural to call Tom Forte at 631-423-9696.)
Jordan originally proposed the idea of painting a mural to gain recognition as an artist in the Huntington area and completed the six-month project in December 1978. The 55’ x 15’ mural, which was the first of many for Jordan, portrays an x-ray view inside Finnegan’s with 140 portraits (originally taken with a Polaroid) of regular customers as they would always be seen at the bar. The concept was to feature all the regulars and employees in a caricature fashion. Today, according to Jordan, it has become “a memorial” and “a fabric of the town.”

STREET-WIDE ANNIVERSARY BASH
The Main Event will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 28. Wall Street will be closed from Gerard Street to Main Street in Huntington Village for a street-wide celebration. Admission is free.

Tom Forte, the veteran face of Finnegan’s and the bartender/manager for the last 22 years, will make a special introduction and thanks. Performances by the U.S. Marine Corps Guard, Thimble Theatre bagpipers, Irish band, and local dancers from Dancin’ Feet Studios and singers will follow.

Finnegan’s will serve $5 Guinness sausages, $5 burgers, and two for $5 hot dogs from the grill as well as $2 ice cream. Jameson and Guinness specials will be served in 16-ounce commemorative 100th Anniversary Stadium cups, for guests to take home, for $5.

Custom Finnegan’s 100th shirts will also be available. T-shirts cost $12 for child sizes and $15 for adult sizes. White polo golf shirts with the embroidered 100-year logo will also be on sale (price TBD).

Guests will receive free coozies and Jameson Girls will be on-hand with Jameson giveaways. Giveaways include New York Yankee tickets, a Jameson Snowboard, bicycle, and flat screen TV (worth $400-500).

ANNIVERSARY SPECIALS
Giveaways, in addition to food and drink specials (to be determined), will be offered throughout the week until Thursday, August 2. Finnegan’s 100th Summer Specials, also offered that week, include: Sunday – Picnic Basket $14.25, Monday – Soft Shell Crab $15.95, Tuesday – Yankee Pot Roast $14.50, Wednesday – Corn Beef & Cabbage $13.50, Thursday - Chef’s Pasta $14.95, Friday – Mussels Pot with Fries $14.95, and Saturday – Jack Daniels Honey BBQ Ribs $15.95.