WILMINGTON — Spice up your weekend Saturday with beer, chili, hot tunes and a park fundraiser.
The first Craft Beer Rally & Chili Cook-Off is set for 3-7 p.m. Saturday on Main Street with the Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band The Fortunate Sons playing at the Murphy Theatre.
Main Street Wilmington has partnered with United Way for this event, with Main Street handling the beer rally and United Way handling the cook-off.
Main Street Wilmington Co-Director Ruth Brindle said the idea had been bounced around as far back as last fall.
“There was some talk about how cool would it be if there was a beer event that’s a companion to the wine event (Wine Walk),” said Brindle.
She said she views this as an opportunity for brewers to tell people about their beers and why residents should check them out.
Ten breweries are set to for locals to sample their beers including Brausch Brewery, TinCap, Dayton Beer Company, Crooked Handle Brewing Co., Listerman Brewing Company, March First Brewing, Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company, Multiple Brewing, Warped Wing Brewing Company, and Zaftig Brewing Company.
For the cook-off, 15 chilis have been entered and will be judged anonymously by a panel of “celebrity” judges, according to Brindle, with a People’s Choice award as well.
Tickets for chili are $5 for a bowl and $1 for a taste. Bring cash to vote for the People’s Choice.
There will also be a 50/50 raffle, a football pool, and a raffle drawing for two tickets to see the Bengals play the Broncos on Dec. 2. One could also win an an autographed football from Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton or an autographed photo of Bengals running back Joe Mixon. All proceeds go to the United Way of Clinton County and their 30 program partners.
‘Sons’ of CCR return
Jeff Philippe, The Fortunate Sons’ “Cosmo” (the drummer), is excited to return to Wilmington during the festivities and the fall environment. They had previously visited Wilmington in the winter.
“It’s my favorite time of year,” said Philippe. “I’m looking forward to the drive down.”
After their last visit in February 2017, they were involved in a vehicle accident that saw their car and much of their equipment damaged. Thankfully, they were able to replace their equipment, which helps them deliver that distinct CCR sound.
Along with a few new jams, they’re now incorporating some storytelling into their show.
“When we were on tour in Holland they wanted to hear the stories about them. They ate that stuff up,” said Philippe.
Before The Fortunate Sons take the stage at around 8 p.m., Blackwater Soul will play beginning at 7 p.m. The Murphy Theatre doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
For tickets, call 937-382-3643, visit themurphytheatre.org or stop by the box office 10 a.m.-3 p.m. this Friday or day of the show beginning at 5 p.m.
Castle fun for funds
A Costume Party and Reverse Raffle — a fundraiser for the Castle Park II to be located at David R. Williams Memorial Park in Wilmington — will be held Saturday, Oct. 13 at FOE #1224 at 141 E. Sugartree St.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and raffle at 7:30 p.m.
There is also a 50/50 drawing, raffle basket drawings, adult beverages and more. Tickets are $35, or $60 for two. For more information visit Wilmington Parks & Rec on Facebook, email [email protected] or call 937-728-7141 or 937-218-2426.
