Beer, food, games and entertainment.
The perfect combination for a successful fundraiser.
The 2nd annual Powassan Sportsplex Beerfest gave people the opportunity to sample products from seven brewers and one distillery.
“They’re from across Northern Ontario. The distillery however is from Guelph,” said Beerfest chair Michelle Heasman.
“It has been continuously busy. Probably double the amount of people from last year.”
Six bands performed, and wings and ribs were served up by the Powassan Lions Club.
“The support from the people after last year’s event is what motivated us to do this again. They supported the brewers, they supported our vendors, they supported the food. That is what made it successful,” said Heasman.
Proceeds from the event go directly back to the municipality to support its recreation program.
“They’re programs that we run right here at the Sportsplex, so the proceeds go right back into the community for kids’ events. There’s no better place to put them,” said Powassan Mayor Peter McIsaac.
“Things like minor hockey, figure skating, and public skating. We have a curling program next door. It those things the kids get the impact from. They can come out and participate. It gets them off the couch and gets them active.”
All of which lends itself to having a healthy community.
“That is what we’re promoting, having a healthy active community in Powassan. We’re trying to keep things moving that way. We look forward to doing it again next year.”
Laurie Fox enjoyed her first time attending the Beerfest.
“I’m liking all the different types of beer. I’m sampling all new flavours. The music is good and people look like they’re having fun. It is great,” said Fox.
Stan Douglas liked the overall atmosphere.
“I like that the vendors are all from Ontario. The beer from every tent tastes amazing and I like that it brings the community together. The band is amazing, and they also have some yard games here. There’s a whole bunch of stuff that is perfect for this type of atmosphere,” said Douglas who appreciated having the proceeds rolled back into the community.
“Any time I can have some recreation myself and put back into the community for their recreation, that’s amazing.”
Countless volunteers and a free shuttle service added to the event’s success.