This year’s Beer Barge fundraiser will feature no barge but remain full of beer and good times, organizers say.
According to Dryden Choban, the Yellowknife Historical Society’s museum manager, the Beer Barge is the society’s longest-running fundraiser. The first one was in 2009 during Yellowknife’s 75th anniversary.
Members of the society wanted a fun way to commemorate local history and raise funds. The Beer Barge fundraiser honours the first resupply barge of the summer, which would bring beer and other supplies to Yellowknife after the lake thawed in the city’s earlier, pre-highway days.
“By that time, alcohol reserves were either completely gone or down to dangerously low levels, so when the barge arrived, it was a very big deal – and a good excuse for a party,” Choban told Cabin Radio.
Guests attending the Beer Barge celebration can expect “a great northern party,” Choban said. Tickets include a BBQ meal. Beer and other alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase separately.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
The event will feature live music from the NWT Pipe Band, Bad Dayz Lucille and the Straydogs.
All proceeds raised will support the operation and projects of the non-profit Yellowknife Historical Society, including the Yellowknife Historical Museum.
The Beer Barge takes place at the Yellowknife Historical Museum, near the Giant Mine boat launch, from 4:30-10:30pm on June 28. The event will be 19-plus only.
In the past, the Beer Barge featured a barge supplied by Dave Smith of East Arm Freighting. Early guests could even join him on the barge and help deliver drinks to the thirsty crowd.
Unfortunately, he no longer has the barge, but the historical society expressed its gratitude for his generosity over the years.
For more information, visit the historical society’s website.
