It is amazing to see what can happen when two great thoughts come together and become one plan. That is exactly what happened this year when the organizers of the Taste of Ales and The Princeton Traditional Music Society (PTMS) decided to share one space to hold their annual events.
On Friday August 19, Veterans Square became host to what many said was, “the perfect venue.” With the warmth of an awesome summer evening, the sounds of music and laughter permeating the air, the Fifth Annual Rotary Taste of Ales and Chili Cook Off combined with the Friday evening festival street dance, made for a great start to the Fourth Annual Princeton Traditional Music Festival, which kept the downtown core filled with music, and people for the entire weekend.
“We were pleased with the turnout,” stated Rotary Club President, Judy Short, “the combination of the two events was a very nice fit.”
Princeton Rotary Club holds various events throughout the year to support projects such as; Rotary Youth Exchange, High School Bursaries, Dictionary give-aways and helping local families in need—just to name a few. This year’s Taste of Ales and Chili Cook-Off was held to support Rotary’s current fundraising initiative—to re-vamp and create a community kitchen at the Riverside Centre.
The Breweries present for the event were; Cannery Brewing, out of Penticton, manned by Randy Holte and Rick Lawlor, Big Rock Brewery from Calgary, Alberta, manned by Rotarians Jim Short and Ken Blower and the Tin Whistle Brewing Company out of Penticton, manned by Lorraine Nagy. “These breweries have always been very supportive,” stated President Short. “We welcome them yearly and are open to any others that might like to join our event.”
Derby’s Hillbilly Chili, a Vegetarian Chili, Chili Con-Connie and Forestland Fury Chili were the variations of chili present for taste-testing during the event.
The Rotary Chili Cook-Off 2011 trophy was presented to Monica and Nick Klyn for their submission entitled, Forestland Fury.
It is the hard work and dedication of a few that make it possible for the many to enjoy evenings such as this. To the members of Princeton Rotary and the Princeton Traditional Music Society, kudos to you all—thanks for all you do for your community.