There is no better way to spend a Saturday than indulging in local beers, wines and fine foods while raising money for such a worthy cause as our own children. On October 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Twin Cities Rotary in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club Of Chehalis is having their 4th Annual Lewis County Beer & Wine Festival at the Pacific Athletic Center, 2091 Jackson Highway in Chehalis.
Previously called the Portland 2 Seattle Beer and Wine Festival, the name change reflects the organization’s dedication to the local community that supports them and how much those involved enjoy being able to give back.
“We take great pride in helping our community,” Treasurer of Twin Cities Rotary Rich Casey says. “This event allows strangers and friends to come together, enjoy a few laughs and help raise money to fund projects such as literacy. Although I am only one of many helping hands in this fundraiser, it gives me great pleasure to be a part of the work we’re doing.”
This year, proceeds are going to the future Boys & Girls Club of Chehalis as well as support for the Twin Cities Rotary ongoing project, the Literacy Corner. The Literacy Corner, created at Valley View Health Center, allows visiting children to find a book of interest and take it home with them to keep. Last year they were able to procure 5,000 books for the Literacy Corner.
It’s hard nowadays to find fun for not a lot of money, but the two organizations worked together tirelessly to do just that. “There are not too many events where fun is guaranteed,” Chris Sampson, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club of Chehalis. “We won’t be asking people to donate a ton of money and the proceeds will go right back into the community through the Boys & Girls Club and through Literacy with the Twin Cities Rotaries.”
The Lewis County Beer & Wine Festival focuses on locally owned and operated business to give festival goers a real taste of the county. Chris shares, “We really wanted to keep things as local to the county as possible with this event. Whether it is through the local wineries, breweries or food vendors.”
There will be beer and wine for sampling. Local breweries include the Olympic Club, Dick’s Brewing, North Jetty Brewing, Ashtown Brewing Company, Amnesia Brewing and more. Local wineries include Heymann Whinery, Scatter Creek Winery, Mill Lane Winery, Hoodsport Winery and Bateaux Cellars. Wine can be purchased by the bottle. They are in the process of getting the proper license to be able to sell growlers, but this isn’t confirmed yet.
There will also be some delicious food from local vendors, including O’Blarney’s, Dawn’s Delectables, Black Sheep Creamery and Katie’s Candies.
In addition to plenty of food and drink, the event will be doing a beer and wine raffle as in previous years. Last year Rich said they had more than 50 bottles of wine and 60 bottles of unique beers that were raffled off to lucky winners. There will be other raffle prizes as well. Finally, there will be cornhole boards available for those looking for a friendly game.
For more information visit the Lewis County Beer & Wine Festival’s website. Early Bird tickets can be purchased here for under $20. Tickets are $25 at the door. If you are looking to make a weekend out of it, there are some lovely places to stay near the festival so you don’t have to worry about driving home if you over-indulge. Best Western Plus Park Place Inn, Candalite Mansion, Centralia Motel 6 and Centralia Square Grand Ballroom & Hotel are all close options. For more accommodations, visit DiscoverLewisCounty.com.
