Ribbon cutting starts Fabiano Bros. weekend of facility tours, Budweiser Clydesdales By Michael Wayland | The Bay City Times May 21, 2010 Amanda Loman | The Bay City Times James Fabiano Sr., right, president and chief executive officer stands with son James C. Fabiano II, a partner-owner of the firm. Along with Joseph R. Fabiano II, the three are celebrating the 125 year of Fabiano Brothers. MONITOR TWP — Dreary weather didn't stop more than 200 people from attending an exclusive ribbon cutting ceremony today at Fabiano Bros. Inc. The ceremony marked the family-owned company's 125th anniversary and the completion of its $16 million-plus beer distribution center and headquarters, 1885 Bevanda Court off Mackinaw Road near US-10, in Monitor Township. “It's just great to have everyone here,” said James Fabiano Sr., president and chief executive officer the company. “To bring all the family together ... It's just a fun day.” Fabiano's family and two Budweiser Clydesdale horses surrounded Fabiano as he cut a ceremonial ribbon, in-front of the main entrance to Fabiano Bros. “It's the start of a great weekend for us as a family, a company and a community,” said James C. Fabiano II, one of James Fabiano Sr.’s sons and a partner-owner of the company. Fabiano Bros. will host its retailers on Saturday and on from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, the public is invited to the company's facility to see 10 Budweiser Clydesdale horses; King, the Dalmatian from many Budweiser commercials; and tour parts of the facility. “They are going to see all kinds of neat things,” said James C. Fabiano II, about Sunday's festivities. James Fabiano Sr.’s grandfather, Gennaro Fabiano, started the company in Italy in 1885 by selling fruit, vegetables and homemade wine. Today, the company is the second largest Anheuser-Busch Co. distributor in Michigan, according to James C. Fabiano II. Local officials, including State Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City; Bay County Board of Commissioners Chairman Brian Elder; Bay City Commission President Christopher Shannon, 1st Ward; Bay City Mayor Charles Brunner; and Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City, were present for the event. “The Fabiano family has had a major impact in Michigan,” Barcia said. “We're so privileged and happy that the Fabiano family would invest their company in the Great Lakes Bay Region.” To view a slideshow of Fabiano Bros. 125th anniversary celebrations, go to: http://photos.mlive.com/baycitytimes/2010/05/fabiano_brothers_125th_anniver_10.html To view the Clydesdales, go to: http://photos.mlive.com/baycitytimes/2010/05/budweiser_clydesdale_horseszip_4.html