Burnaby’s first beer fest was a hit with the craft brewery crowd, and the organization behind it all plans on hosting another event next year.
Burnaby Community Services hosted the fundraising festival on Friday, Nov. 13 at Spacekraft, close to Metrotown. The event was the first of its kind in Burnaby, showcasing samples from 12 craft breweries, including Dageraad, Steel & Oak and Main Street Brewing Company. Tickets were $35, and patrons paid $2 per beer sample. There was also live music and guest beer expert Rebecca Whyman.
The festival was a departure from the organization’s more formal fundraising gala, but executive director Stephen D’Souza wanted to try something different to draw a new crowd of supporters.
“For a first-time event, it had great support from the community,” D’Souza said. “I think everyone had a really great time and a lot excitement about doing it again. I think we can’t ask for more than that.”
D’Souza’s fundraising goal was to break even. He estimated the festival pulled in about $20,000 but after expenses only cleared about $2,000, but he’s still happy with the results. The local non-profit facilitates the Christmas Bureau and the meals-on-wheels program for seniors.
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