Jolly Pumpkin, Ann Arbor Microbreweries Host August Brew for the River Event

ANN ARBOR — Back by popular demand, five Dexter area microbreweries are teaming up with Huron River Watershed Council to sponsor a night dedicated to water, beer, and the people who love both.

The second annual "Brew for the River" event will take place every Thursday night from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 9 to Sept. 6.

"The Huron River Watershed Council is proud of the fact that the Huron River is the cleanest river in Southeast Michigan. Every day, we work to inspire attitudes, behaviors, and economies that protect, rehabilitate, and sustain the Huron River system, as well as to support safe, clean water for everyone," Pam Labadie, marketing director for the HRWC said in a press release. "We are also grateful that the Huron is the source for the majority of Ann Arbor’s drinking water, especially when that water becomes great-tasting, locally-brewed beer."

Each brewpub will feature their full menu of food and drinks along with a special beer made just for the event. These new brews are named after familiar streams and waterways of the Huron, celebrating Washtenaw County's water source. A portion of the proceeds from food and drink sales will be donated to HRWC. 

Patrons can purchase a brew passport at Wolverine Pub, 2019 West Stadium Blvd., on Aug. 9 to begin collecting stamps at each event. Collect all five stamps to be eligible for the big drawing at the final brew event on Sept. 6. The grand prize is a growler (mug) a month for 10 months, from the participating microbreweries.

This year river trivia will take place at each brew event. Teams will compete to answer questions about beer, water conservation, and the Huron River. In addition, there will be prizes at each of the brew events, where lucky winners can win “One Hour with the Brewer” and a mug of the special event brew to take home, along with other prizes.

Upcoming Events:

• Aug. 9: Brewer Duncan Williams is kicking off the event with a bang, premiering a new beer, Honey Creek at the Wolverine. Also, don’t forget to pick up your Brew for the River passport at Wolverine.
• Aug. 16: Jolly Pumpkin, 311 South Main St. Get ready for Brewer Ron Jefferies’ tongue-twisting, palate-pleasing Hummocky Lick Sumac Sensation.
• Aug. 23: Grizzly Peak, 120 West Washington St. Brewer Oliver Roberts is serving up Swift Run beer for water conservationists and beer aficionados alike.
• Aug. 30: Arbor Brewing, 114 East Washington St. Matt and Rene of ABC are premiering Silver Creek for your enjoyment in their completed Green Brewery.
• Sept. 6: Blue Tractor, 205 E. Washington St. Rounding out the set of awesome beers and brewers, Tim Schmidt will be brewing Hay Creek at the last event. Passports with five stamps will be submitted here, and the winners will be announced though they must be present to win.

For more information, visit http://www.hrwc.org/events/brew-for-the-river/.