Guelph is getting what could be its first ever craft beer festival in November.
Ed Video Media Arts Centre is organizing the event, called Art of the BrewHaHa, as a fundraiser for the non-profit media company. It takes place in Old Quebec Street Shoppes on Nov. 12 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight and will feature seven craft brewers and one cider maker.
There will also be food and entertainment.
"We were specifically interested in working with the local craft breweries," said event organizer Elizabeth Dent of Ed Video.
"We think that's important. To support local whenever possible."
Confirmed craft brewers so far are Wellington Brewery, Four Fathers Brewing Co., Collective Arts, Junction Craft Brewing, Royal City Brewing Co., Brothers Brewing Co., Beau's All Natural Brewing Company and Revel Cider Co.
Dent said fundraising in Guelph can be a challenge.
"We've tried all kinds of fundraising things and finding a method and event that worked is a real struggle," she said.
Businesses can be overwhelmed with requests to help and it's not fair to ask artists, who rarely make a lot of money, to continually offer their services for free.
Ed Video used to sell 50/50 tickets at Guelph Storm games as a fundraiser but recently had to give that up.
"We've tried all kinds of things that haven't worked," said Dent, adding that if you don't fundraise as a not-for-profit, it is hard to access many grants that expect you to "kick in something."
She hopes the Art of the BrewHaHa event is successful and can be repeated next year.
There will be 500 tickets available, 375 at a reduced advance rate. Some tickets will be available at the door.
Advance admission to the event is $22 and that includes four beer sample tokens and a sample glass. Additional sample tokens are $1.50.
Advanced tickets and more information are available at www.art-of-the-brewhaha.ca
