The 65th Annual Brew on the Bay in Alpena, hosted by the Rotary Club, sure made a splash this year. As soon as I arrived at the Aplex Thursday night, the music was bumping, the auction was swinging, and the local wine and beer were flowing.
People had the opportunity to taste luscious libations from Austin Brothers Beer Company, Chateau Chantal, Thunder Bay Winery, Peninsula Cellars, Bowers Harbor, Leelanau Wine Cellars, and more. This event was a combination beer/wine tasting event and auction to raise money for the Alpena Splash Park being put in at Starlite Beach. The park, with 23 water features, is projected to open June 30 down on the water.
Another welcome sight we’ll see by Thunder Bay this summer season will be the Alpena Farmers’ Market as they try out a spot at Mich-E-Kew-Is Park. Vendors with local, fresh produce, baked goods, eggs, meat, jams, flowers, and crafts will be set up close to family-friendly areas. The city of Alpena and the Farmers Market Board are currently working together to put in electrical lines prior to the move. This will allow for live music down near the beach, opportunities for local food trucks like the Hungry Hippie and the up and coming Asian-influenced Unlucky Cat Cafe to serve locally-sourced fare for people to nosh while shopping. The market’s trial move to Mich-E-Kew-Is Park will begin the first weekend of June. And we can’t think of a better way to spend a summer day.
Molly Stepanski is the local food coordinator for Northeast Michigan. She also operates Presque Isle Farm with her husband, Dion, and son, Sawyer. Contact her at [email protected]