FENTON — Tickets are on sale now for the 5th Annual Bottles, Brews & News set for 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 in downtown Fenton’s Rackham Park located off of South Leroy Street.
Hosted by View Newspaper Group and the Tri-County Times (sister paper to the Lapeer Area View), Bottles, Brews & News features nearly 50 different craft beers, hard seltzers and wines from across the nation and local offerings, including those from Fenton Winery & Brewery, to sample.
Thanks to the Snack Shack Sponsor Sharp Funeral Homes, this year guests will enjoy a complimentary food item like a slice of pizza from Cottage Inn Pizza. The first 200 guests will receive a pretzel necklace sponsored by Medawar Jewelers, and there will also be free popcorn thanks to Mr. J’s Petroleum.
Live music by Mark Warner and crowd favorite Crash will keep the crowd moving and grooving all day. Both live performances include a variety of hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s and today.
File photos
The event is held under a large tent in the park and guests are able to use indoor bathrooms in the Fenton Community & Cultural Center. Organizers except 500 people.
“We are so excited for this year’s Bottles, Brews & News,” said Emily Caswell brand manager at View Newspaper Group and one of the organizers of the event. “Each year we listen to feedback from our guests and make small tweaks here and there, meaning each year the event gets better and better. Of course, my favorite part is that all of the fun is for a great cause — FARR. Executive Director Dawn Placek is the best and the entire nonprofit has been such a great partner in this event.”
Since its start five years ago, Bottles, Brews & News has raised more than $21,000 for Fenton Area Resources & Referral Network, Inc.
Formed in 1990 by community leaders, churches and civic organizations, FARR works with residents of the Fenton, Lake Fenton and Linden communities. FARR provides assistance to individuals and families in crisis by assessing their basic needs
(food, shelter, health) and identifying immediate and long-term objectives. FARR then coordinates with local partnering organizations to help address those needs and raise their level of self-sustainability. Building relationships and community through partnerships with local churches and nonprofits is the cornerstone of FARR and its success.
Tickets to Bottles, Brews & News are $30 in advance and include a souvenir glass, food and five tasting tickets. A limited number of day-of tickets will be available at the event for $40. More tasting tickets can be purchased at the event for just $1. The event is for those 21 and older only. Tickets can be purchased online at myfenton.com, by scanning the QR code on page 11 or by visiting the Tri-County Times office at 256 N. Fenway Dr., Fenton.
Sponsors this year include ELGA Credit Union, Sharp Funeral Homes, J.P. O’Sullivan, Michigan Web Press, Operating Engineers OE 324 Michigan, Vic Canever, Genisys Credit Union, Hartland Insurance, E & L Construction Group, Medawar Jewelers, The State Bank, Southern Lakes Park & Recreation, Fenton DDA, Allied Media, GFL Environmental, Mr. J’s Petroleum, Fischer, Franklin & Ford, NFP, McDaniel Business Supply and many Friend sponsors. Sponsorships are available. Contact Emily Caswell at ecaswell@mihomepaper.com or 810-513- 8501 for details.
Volunteers are also welcome and receive a free entry to the event and a free T-shirt. Contact FARR at 810- 750-6244 for details on volunteering.