Courtenay Rotary Club hosts first-ever beer fest

There are 17 B.C. craft breweries scheduled to participate in the first-ever Courtenay Rotary Club Beer Fest, Oct. 3 at the Native Sons Hall.

Proceeds of the event, which includes an industry trade show and public tasting, will go to fund further work on the Courtenay Train Station and the Rotary Trail, a popular downtown walking trail.

The tasting is from 7-10 p.m., ages 19 and older. Tickets are $30 each, which includes a souvenir collector mason jar, 12 four-ounce tastings, and complimentary appetizers from Plates, Mad Chef, Butchers Block and Hot Chocolates & Cakebread.

With each participating brewery bringing three or more beers and ciders for sampling, attendees can choose from over 50 different beers and ciders. Burgers will be available for purchase, as well as a safe ride home from Ambassador Shuttle Service by donation.

Before the public tasting, the Beer Fest will feature an industry tasting and trade show from 4-6 p.m. where liquor outlets and restaurants/pubs can learn more about what makes these craft beers unique and enjoy complimentary appies. There is no cost to attend the trade show event. However, an RSVP is required and can be arranged by contacting Dave White at 250-339-0172 or d48white@yahoo.com.

Purchase advance tickets at www.cvbeerfest.ca or at the following businesses: Cascadia Liquor Store, Hot Chocolates, Mad Chef Cafe, Searle’s Shoes, Chuck’s Trucks, White Whale, Eby’s and the Griffin Liquor Store.