Beer in the Bushes a fun time for SCCF
The Fourth Annual “Beer in the Bushes” fundraiser event for the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is coming back for another run, featuring some of the area’s top craft beers to go along with a fun-filled evening Saturday, April 18, from 6-10 p.m.
SCCF research assistant and event organizer Jeff Siwicke said the goal of the event is to be a little less normal than the usual events which take place on Sanibel.
“We refer it to as more of a ‘fun’-raiser and one in which it brings the community together,” Siwicke said.
There will be six different local craft breweries on hand, with unlimited sampling for each. Scythian, a nationally-renowned Irish music act will also be performing, along with an opening act to be named soon.
“Each of the local craft breweries will have two selections, but that could change possibly, if a batch didn’t turn out,” Siwicke said. “In the past, we’ve had some off-the-wall entertainment and we change it up every year, since we make a conscious effort not to be the same party year after year.”
Siwicke knows his craft beers well, after working in a craft brewery in Ithaca, N.Y., for two years before he took the job on Sanibel at the SCCF.
“Craft beer has been popular nationwide and it’s finally caught up to Florida,” Siwicke said. “Point Ybel Brewing Company, which is just off of Sanibel, has supported us the last two years and they will be represented again. Fort Myers Brewing Company and Point Ybel were the first two in the area and they both will be here.”
Other local breweries which will be serving beer at The Beer in the Bushes event includes Naples Beach Brewery, Momentum Brew House out of Bonita Springs, Old Soul Brewing and Palm City Brewing, which will be a debut for them since their doors have not been open, yet.
“With all the local craft breweries popping up, it’s good to highlight these guys,” Siwicke said.
The party will be held at the SCCF headquarters on Sanibel and its two main sponsors are The Sanibel-Captiva Trust Company and Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina, which have been supporters since day one.
“We are still looking for smaller-scale sponsorship, yet,” Siwicke said.
Call Siwicke at 239-357-0457 for sponsorship opportunities.
“We are seeing a larger and larger local presence, it’s been kind of an end-of-season event,” Siwicke said.
Ticket prices are $40 for early bird purchases until the end of March 15, with prices being raised to $50 after. The cost is $60 the day of the event.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com.
“With Scythian, you’ll be dancing if you like it or not,” Siwicke said of the Irish music act. “There will be unexpected surprises in store during the event, as well, just to keep you on your toes.”