Bath, NY – December 16, 2024 – The legendary Steuben
County Great Fruitcake Giveaway has successfully continued its 30-year
tradition, and this year, the holiday cheer was passed on to a new recipient.
The latest handoff of the famous fruitcake took place on Monday December 16,
2024, keeping the quirky tradition alive and well.
A Tradition that Endures
What started as a simple holiday gesture in 1991 by
then-Steuben County Manager Mark Alger has since evolved into one of the most
beloved (and playful) traditions in the county. Mark Alger bought a fruitcake
from then-Legislature Chairman Lynn Morse to benefit the Kiwanis, and the
fruitcake was passed along to various county officials in a game of
good-natured one-upmanship. Over the years, this holiday exchange has seen
everything from ransoms and bribes to outright thefts. In fact, the fruitcake
even had a stint in the Steuben County Jail, adding to its legendary status.
Passing the Fruitcake On
The tradition was upheld this year by Steuben County Manager
Jack Wheeler, who presented the fruitcake with a wink and a smile. "The
Great Fruitcake Giveaway is a fun way to bring our community together, and a
perfect reminder that even in tough times, we can always find some holiday
joy," said Wheeler.
Now, Steuben County Deputy Manager Chris Brewer is the proud
new keeper of the infamous fruitcake. “I’m honored to carry on this quirky
tradition,” Brewer remarked. “It’s a real piece of Steuben County history, and
I’ll do my best to make sure it keeps spreading the holiday spirit!”
The Great Fruitcake Giveaway continues to be a source of
laughter and camaraderie among county officials, with each new handoff adding
another chapter to its storied past.