Beer Crawl to promote a good time while showcasing local business

It may not sound very dignified, but historically, a beer crawl has provided the dual benefit of promoting a good time while simultaneously showcasing local businesses.

The ninth annual Downtown Tipp City Partnership (DTCP) St. Paddy’s Day Beer Crawl is a ticketed, self-guided event in the city’s historic business district to be held Saturday, March 7 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

“This is one of the most enjoyable events we put on,” said Mike McDermott, event chairman. “It really marks the transition from winter to spring. By early March, people are tired of being cooped up and are eager to get out, reconnect, and socialize with friends and family again.”

Crawl guests will check in at Mauk Cabinets by Design, 131 W. Main St., to receive their event glass and passport, and then proceed to explore participating businesses while sampling a variety of beer in true St. Patrick’s Day fashion along the way.

Participating businesses this year include: Bloomora Botanicals, Pathways Wealth Management (Presenting Sponsor), Royal Crest Insurance, Browse Awhile Books, Seven Sisters Apothecary & Art, Zach Snyder Flooring and Design, Living Simply Soap, Main Street Financial Group – Thrivent, Always Blooming and Fox and Feather Trading Co.

According to Tasha Weaver, DTCP Executive Director, the Beer Crawl is a progressive tasting experience mixed with a downtown night out. 

“It’s not just about the samples, it’s about exploring our shops and offices in a new way,” she said. “It’s also about discovering businesses you may not normally walk into, running into friends along the way, and experiencing the energy of downtown as a whole.”

The event’s purpose is twofold. It’s a fundraiser supporting the DTCP and its work to enhance, preserve and promote the historic district, Weaver said, adding that it also drives meaningful foot traffic into downtown businesses and introduces new customers to everything our community has to offer.

McDermott, who also serves as chairman of the DTCP Economic Development Committee (EDC) and owns digital marketing agency Bash Foo, 140 E. Broadway, said he uses his experience as a homebrewer, former bartender and beer aficionado to help create a high-quality beer event that adults 21 and over can enjoy.

“The Beer Crawl is the largest annual fund-raising event we put on,” he said. “In my view, it has been very successful, both as a community gathering and as a model for how to host a well-managed downtown event that includes alcohol.”

As chairman, McDermott’s responsibilities include working with distributors, selecting new and popular beers for attendees to sample, and securing sponsors for the event. The committee makes use of sponsor-branded beer glasses, t-shirts, and posters to promote both its sponsors and the crawl itself.

Proceeds from the Beer Crawl go to the EDC, which in turn, supports a small business grant program for downtown businesses. In addition to the assistance already provided through the façade improvement program, this new grant program will help fund interior upgrades to storefronts, such as updated POS systems, accessibility improvements, and interior renovations, according to McDermott.

“These investments improve the customer experience and strengthen the overall health of our downtown business district,” he said.

Established in 2008 as part of the Main Street program, the DTCP is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing, preserving and promoting Tipp City’s downtown district.

“Since then, we have worked to strengthen downtown through strategic events, beautification efforts, business support, and community partnerships,” Weaver said.

In addition to its annual Beer Crawl, the DTCP is known for sponsoring such events as Bourbon and Chocolate, Putterpalooza, the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, Tippecanoe and Christmas Too, among others.

“Our purpose is to keep downtown vibrant and thriving,” said Weaver. “We want it to be a place where businesses succeed, history is preserved and the community gathers.”

The Crawl format has proven to be a fun, engaging way to support DTCP’s mission while creating memorable experiences for the community, said Weaver.

“At its heart, the Beer Crawl is about connection. It brings people together, supports local businesses and reminds everyone how special downtown Tipp City really is,” she concluded.

For more information, go to Downtown Tipp City Partnership Facebook page. You can also contact DTCP by phone: (937) 667-0883, or Email: info@downtowntippcity.org.