Strange brews, local brews and other brews will be available for beer connoisseurs and casual drinkers to sample at the third annual Nanaimo Beerfest.
The Nanaimo Kinsmen Club fundraiser runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Beban Park Social Centre Friday (April 10) and features beer and cider from approximately 23 beer breweries from Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and Lower Mainland.
“We showcase the microbreweries and the craft beers locally,” said Kenneth McCann, club treasurer and event co-chairman. “Of course, we have a few big names come in. This year we have Miller Genuine Draft coming and they’re bringing Fosters back into Canada.”
For $30, people will get eight drink tickets and can wander the venue sampling whatever they desire, at their leisure. Subsequent tickets cost $2 each. The club will also be providing food, with chili, bratwurst and freshly baked pretzels amongst the fare available, according to McCann.
With the alcohol consumption, discounted taxi service will be available, said El Martel, vice-president and event co-chairman.
“AC Taxi is going to be there with a coupon of $2.50 just to help out any of them,” said Martel. “We don’t want anyone drinking and driving. We’re very adamant about that ... they’ll be there to pick up as many people as [possible].”
Eight-hundred people are expected and money will go back to the community, with a majority going to the Kinsmen’s high school bursaries.
Approximately 400 tickets have been sold so far, but McCann and Martel know that there will be a mad rush as the event draws near.
Beerfest has always sold out and both recommend getting tickets as soon as possible.
For more information, or for tickets, please call 250-668-0524.