by Erik Peterson The Riverwest Beer Fest. & 2nd Annual Pub Crawl began in the former dentist office suites above the Riverwest Artists Association on Holton Street.Each suite had a different func-tion:registration, food, silent auction, beer samples.Sprecher, Purple Foot, Water St. Brewery, and Harbor City Brewing Co. all showed up to give free samples at the starting line. All 195 tickets sold out. Riverwest Accordian Club, featuring Sarah from 60 Watt Sarah, and AlBunde, brewmaster at StoutBros. Public House,played at a few of the bars, Luckystar, and RAA. Hash Harriers running club participated with about 20 people and one dog. The event received plenty of media coverage: Michael Horne (Shepherd Express), Whispering Jeff (Cream City Suds), Eddie Davis, Jr. (The Press), and Tess Reiss and Helene Feider (Currents) were all seen at the starting line. Beer Barons of Milwaukee provided volunteers.The Riverwest Co-op had an informational booth set up, and the UWM Psychology department sold brats and burgers for their fundraiser. John Zutz (executive director of Milwaukee Beer Festival & Blessing of the Bock, and a tour guide at Lakefront Brewery), and Joe Natoli (executive director of the Variety Club Children’s Charities of Wisconsin) also participated. The 14 participating taverns were: Club 99, The Pub, The Gig, Falcon Bowl, Uptowner, Onopa, Foundation, Linneman’s, Klinger’s, Bosco’s, Mayfield’s, Hop In, Circle A, and Dino’s. Word has it that Mayfield’s didn’t open until 9 p.m., but was completely packed by 10.Club 99 ran out of their pub crawl beer, so the owner decided to let pub crawl participants have any drink they wanted.He also encouraged them to have food from his Puerto Rican buffet.Bosco’s made ham sandwiches to give to all the pub crawl participants.When they ran out, he started making pizzas!for free!Linneman’s was packed to capacity, and there was a waiting line to get in, and we heard that Barry was a great host at the Gig.Most feedback, however, came regarding Club 99 and Bosco’s for their hospitality. As for the results: $2800 profit so far, with a few more dollars coming in from ticket sales.All profits will be given to the Variety Club Children’s Charities of Wisconsin.
by Erik Peterson