Paradox Brewery President and Founder Paul Mrocka, third from left

A cold, blustery and overcast early spring morning may go down in the history books of the North Country as the day a ground breaking ceremony changed the economic fortunes of an area that has lost too many jobs over the decades. In less than two years the $5.2 million Paradox Brew House and Brew Pub -- at site of the former Frontier Town in North Hudson -- will be open for business.

A crowd of around 40 -- including North Hudson Supervisor Ron Moore, who played a significant role in helping Paradox Brewery secure the site -- as well as many government officials, were on hand for the ceremonial digging of the dirt with gold colored shovels.

Brewery founder Paul Mrocka hopes to have the first bulldozers on the site next week.

"I am a dreamer. Little did I know how much work it would take to get into this project," Paul said.

"Business in the North Country is a risk, but look around here. I just couldn't imagine a nicer place to put a brewery," Paul said, as he looked behind him at the grand view of the High Peaks. You can watch his full interview below.

You can read the history of how this historic day came about and what will also be featured at the site here, here and here.

Paul says Paradox will invest $5.2 million into the new facility, which includes construction, machinery and equipment, and the installation of a new waste treatment system.

The Empire State Development Fund is providing $200,000 through a North Country Regional Economic Development Council grant, and $300,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits for the creation of 22 jobs.

Additionally, the Development Authority of the North Country is providing Essex County $500,000 through the North Country Redevelopment Fund for demolition at the Frontier Town site. The rest of the funds came from investors and a bank loan.