By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Area residents are being asked to sample locally made beers and wines to help the Wood County Farm Bureau raise money for student scholarships.
The farm bureau is hosting its second annual “HOP Around Wood County” on July 16, from 6:30 to 11 p.m.
More brews and wines will be offered this year, with the seven vendors being Aistear Brewing, Arlyn’s Good Beer, Brewing Green, Myla Marcus, Wild Side Brewing Company, Majestic Oak Winery, and Juniper Brewing Company.
“They are going to be bringing their most popular brews,” said Stacie Wenig Anderson, board president of the Wood County Farm Bureau. “We’re really excited.”
Last year, the farm bureau sold 100 tickets and raised more than $4,000 for four scholarships. This year, the organizers hope to double ticket sales and scholarship funds.
“We’re hoping to raise twice as much money” for students, Anderson said.
Though the farm bureau is an ag-based organization, the scholarships aren’t limited to students pursuing an education in agriculture.
“We view Farm Bureau as more of a community-based organization – not just farming,” Anderson said.
And attendance at the event isn’t limited to farm bureau members either.
“We want to encourage people to invite a friend and come out. It’s all for a really good cause,” she said.
The “HOP Around Wood County” event will be held at Heban’s Field of Dreams at the corner of U.S. 6 and Wapakoneta Road, near Grand Rapids. Anderson described the location as a rural rustic, farm market setting. There will be lawn games, and plenty of covered space in case of rain.
With each ticket, a person will receive two samples from each wine and beer vendor. There will also be a dessert bar sponsored by Kingston Health Care. Food from O’Henry’s barbecue food truck will be available for additional purchase.
Tickets are $35 for farm bureau members and $40 for non farm bureau members.
Several of the vendors are supplying their beers and wines at cost, to increase the funds that can go to scholarships, Anderson said.
“It shows how much they care about their community,” she said.
Tickets will be sold up until the day of the event.
“We are excited to host this fun community event again this year. Everyone that attended last year had so much fun,” Anderson said. “You won’t want to miss out on an opportunity to raise money for scholarships, while also supporting local wineries and breweries – all while having fun with friends.”
Tickets can be purchased through EventBrite by searching HOP Around Wood County or clicking this the link.
