The Wilderness Center to host Ales for Trails fundraising event
Guests at The Wilderness Center’s Ales for Trails event can sample local brews while walking the trails and enjoying nature.
The Wilderness Center in Wilmot will hold its Ales for Trails fundraiser Saturday, May 31 from 1-4 p.m. The event brings together local microbreweries, food and live music.
“This event offers a unique way to experience the beautiful outdoor setting of The Wilderness Center and meet other nature enthusiasts,” said Laura Firestone, development coordinator at TWC.
Jeanne Gural, executive director of TWC, also remarked on the opportunities for interaction presented by Ales for Trails.
“There’s a lot of interaction with staff, nature and the breweries, so it’s a very good time and it’s for a worthy cause,” she said.
Maureen Kampman, director of development, said funds raised at the event support TWC’s education and conservation departments.
“When we host fundraisers like this, it supports our ability to offer education courses for the entire community, from those aimed toward preschool-age children all the way through adult education opportunities,” Kampman said.
Tickets to the event are $35 for TWC members and $40 for nonmembers. That price includes tickets for six beer samplings — enough to sample one beer from each of the six breweries — and a souvenir beer mug to take home.
Additional sampling tickets can be purchased at the event. There also is a $10 ticket for designated drivers.
“It’s important to us to offer that because we want people to make it home safely,” Gural said. “We want you to come here and have a great time, but we also want you back.”
Beer, music and food
The six participating breweries include Paradigm Shift Brewing from Massillon, Codex Brewing from North Canton, 77 Brew House from North Canton and Missing Falls Brewery from Akron.
Two Tuscarawas County breweries participating are Hoodletown Brewing Company from Dover and Lockport Brewery from Bolivar. Each brewery will bring two beers selected by TWC for guests to sample.
“We were at the event last year, and we’re back because we love The Wilderness Center and what they provide for our community,” said Kara Kinsey, co-owner of Hoodletown Brewing Company.
Kinsey said TWC chose Hoodletown’s Tropical Tart as one of the two brews they will bring to the event. The pink-hued beer features pineapple and dragon fruit.
“It’s a cool setting, and you get to walk through the woods and sample the beer,” said Andrew Marburger, who owns Lockport Brewery with his wife Lauren. “We dig The Wilderness Center’s mission and think they do a really good job of engaging people with the outdoors.”
TWC has asked Lockport to bring its River Rider Session IPA and Gateway American Cream Ale.
For food options the Holy Lederhosen food truck will be on the grounds with its Bavarian-American menu.
“One of the things we like about them is their melty beer cheese dip made with JAFB Wooster Brewery’s Hefeweizen beer and served with pretzel bites,” Firestone said.
Live music will be provided by the local band Blue Fynn and the Castaways playing hits from the ‘70s through today.
Registration is required and can be done online at www.wildernesscenter.org or by calling 330-359-5235. There will be a slight increase in the cost of tickets purchased the day of the event. All tickets are nonrefundable. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors.
Designated driver ticket holders will not be permitted to sample beer at the event. Naturally, only adults age 21 and older can participate in Ales for Trails, including designated drivers. Guests must bring a valid ID, and infants, children and pets will not be permitted.
Volunteers are needed, and those wishing to help can register at www.wildernesscenter.org or call.
The Wilderness Center is located at 9877 Alabama Ave. SW in Wilmot.