Craft breweries are very popular among Prince George and northern B.C. residents with businesses seemingly popping up in every corner of the region.
With the cancellation of Kiwanis AleFest 2021 due to COVID-19 public health restrictions, the local branch has come up with a way to still raise funds for kids and give beer-lovers a unique experience.
Partnering with nine breweries, including two based in Prince George, the AleFest team has put together a limited-edition eight-pack of cans with flavours said to have never been made before.
“It was apparent by spring 2020 that we were not going to be able to host Kiwanis Alefest in 2021,” said lead organizer Jamie Cunningham in a news release.
“However, we felt collectively that if there was a time that the breweries needed a little extra attention and people needed a little bit more happiness, it was this year.”
Two weeks from today, Jan. 29, the AleFest pack will hit the shelves at local liquor stores for residents to purchase and experience, with all proceeds earmarked for Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon, as well as charities that support kids and families in the north.
Kiwanis AleFest in Prince George is set to unveil a limited-edition eight-pack of craft beer from nine different northern and interior B.C. breweries for its 2021 virtual event. By Kiwanis AleFestLast year, Kiwanis Prince George raised $60,000 from its annual festival for local organizations that help children.
The 2021 flavours will be unveiled the night before, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m., via BC Ale Trail’s Virtual Hoppy Hour on their Instagram account.
Those who wish to partake in the virtual tasting with a panel of B.C. beer enthusiasts are encouraged to do so by tuning to same social media page at 7 p.m. on Jan. 29, the day the eight-packs go on sale.
“All of the breweries on the Northern BC Ale Trail share a bond because of geography,” says Monica Frost, BC Ale Trail Project Lead.
“The Kiwanis AleFest eight-pack showcases their spirit of generosity, partnership and innovation while they are already dealing with pandemic-related challenges to their businesses.”
The participating breweries are as follows (in alphabetical order):
- Barkerville Brewing (Quesnel)
- CrossRoads Brewing & Distillery (Prince George)
- Mighty Peace Brewing (Fort St John)
- Collaboration with Iron Road Brewing (Kamloops) and Smithers Brewing
- Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse (Terrace)
- Smithers Brewing (Smithers)
- Three Ranges Brewing (Valemount)
- Trench Brewing & Distilling (Prince George)
- Wheelhouse Brewing (Prince Rupert)
For more details, you can visit the Kiwanis AleFest Facebook page.
