More than 800 people poured into the McIntyre Curling Club on Saturday.
“We’re really happy how the community responded to our inaugural Beer Fest, and it looks like it’s going to be the start of something new in the community,” said John Olaveson, Timmins Festivals and Events Committee (TFEC) chair.
Featuring 10 craft breweries from across the province, food vendors, games, live music and more, the event is one of TFEC’s most successful fundraisers for Rock on the River.
“It compares to our first Battle of the Bands event,” he said.
Since starting, TFEC has engaged the community with its events.
Realizing how popular beer festivals are in Ontario, and with the suggestions the group has received, Olaveson said the board thought it would be a good fundraiser and “something that Timmins has never really seen on that scale.”
“Judging by the success of this one we’re definitely going to have one next year, hopefully solicit a few more beer vendors from across Ontario and maybe bring in another food vendor, just tweak it a bit,” he said.
This year’s Rock on the River is being held July 27 and 28 at Participark in Timmins, however the lineup hasn’t been revealed yet.
“We’re just one band short and we really like to announce the lineup in its entirety, I’m not sure if we’re going to be able to do that ‘cause obviously we do have a deadline that we want to get the lineup out to the community and start selling tickets,” he said.
Olaveson said it will feature two of the biggest headliners they’ve ever had.
“We have the headliners, they’re already signed, it’s one supporting act we’re looking for that’s the right fit for Saturday night to go along with Saturday’s headliner,” he said.
On Friday, he said the music is heavy on the pop side, with Saturday featuring a rock act.
Both headliners, he said, are “quite relevant” and have a long list of Juno awards and nominations.
