The curious curious flocked to Campbell River’s downtown during the Business Improvement Association’s (BIA) first annual Bevy About Town event Aug. 18.
“We had 200 tickets up front. These sold very quickly,” said BIA Chair Heather Gordon Murphy. “They were sold through the Tidemark Theatre.”
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Until around 9 p.m., participants who paid $50 were given a stemless non-breakable commemorative glass, charcuterie box and a map along with tickets. They were then able to go into 11 different local businesses for tastings, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and to tour the businesses along Shoppers Row to see what they had to offer after closing hours.
“They obviously can’t sell the alcohol in the shops,” said Gordon-Murphy. “So we encouraged them to talk about their product, and tell people where they could purchase it.”
The amount of stores that did participate was noteworthy, but shops that didn’t join in kept their lights on to drum up some business.
“There were a lot of shops who didn’t participate,” said Gordon-Murphy. “But decided to stay open tonight because they knew we were going to having this event.”
Gordon-Murphy also said the concert featuring local musician Jeff Plankenhorn factored into the decision to showcase it on Friday night.
“We knew he would be playing,” said Gordon-Murphy. “So we paired it specifically for this event. We said, ‘everybody to come down, walk around. Come and enjoy the food and listen to the music.’”
Programs and outreach manager for the Campbell River Art Gallery, Mandie Bumble, said that hosting events within the downtown core is what brings the city alive.
“I think it shows how dynamic and lively our downtown is,” said Bumble, while ticket holders walked around the exhibits and participated in a collage station. “It’s special and nice to see folks down here.”
Vendors included Misguided Spirits, a craft liquor maker located in Parksville. Owner Darryl Bellaart said was incredibly excited about the opportunity to participate.
Using B.C. grown barley and wheat in his products, the fruits of Bellaart’s labour has not gone unnoticed. Misguided Spirits Brother XII Vodka received a pair of awards in last year’s Canadian Artisan Spirit competition, receiving medals in contemporary vodka and branding.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to meet people in Campbell River,” said Bellaart. “It’s exciting to show people what we make.”
Edward Hitchins
edward.hitchins@campbellrivermirror.com
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