Doing something good for the community is rarely as intoxicating—or delicious—as the Brewers Bazaar. Though the event may seem like a day of carefree enjoyment, its objective is community service. When the Sunrise Rotary Club in Stillwater created the Brewers Bazaar nine years ago, members were interested in funding scholarships, care for the elderly and other local projects. Inspiration struck when a club member attended a wine tasting that included a local brewer, which was a novel idea at the time.
“We really feel privileged that we were on the forefront of that movement,” says Ken McGinley of the Sunrise Rotary Club.
The first bazaar cemented a partnership with the Minnesota Craft Brewers Association, which has recruited some of the area’s best local brewers, including the St. Croix Valley’s own Lift Bridge Brewing Company, American Sky Broewing Co., Pitchfork Brewing, Joseph Wolf Brewery and St. Croix Brewing.
“[This event is] something that we’re extremely proud of as a club,” McGinley says. “It’s that one event of the year that the brewers continue to come back to because it’s unique.’”
The event is held on the Avalon Riverboat on the St. Croix River. Due to limited space, organizers have capped the attendance to ensure an intimate experience. At the end of the day, celebrants can go home knowing that the good times they shared on the river will carry on in the form of community support.
Ninth Annual Brewers Bazaar
May 16
Ages 21+
$45, includes four hours to sample regional beers, a commemorative pilsner glass and a brat.
Avalon Riverboat, 525 S. Main St., Stillwater
stillwatersunriserotary.org
