Tavern Tour 08
Several local residents, looking for an evening of spring fever fun, hit up the downtown area Friday, March 7 for the 2008 Spring Fever Tavern Tour.
Hays has several great establishments for entertainment, but many local residents are not aware of these establishments’ offerings. The goal of the tavern tour was to offer local residents a new activity while also promoting the business establishments. “Business is typically slower during the winter months and we were looking for a fun event to spark interest in getting people out to participate in entertainment activities and help kick-off spring,” explained Cortney Finnesy, Manager of Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co.
With many people getting anxious for warmer weather, a Spring Fever theme seemed to fit perfectly for the event. Several participating bar owners got into the spring theme by handing out Mardi-Gras style beads to the participants, hosting games or simply by offering fun food or drink specials. “We were hearing community members talk about their spring break plans and how they were tired of the cold and overcast weather,” explained Sabrina William, Downtown Hays Development Coordinator. “We wanted a theme that would get people excited about getting out and socializing.”
Participating businesses for the Tavern Tour included Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co., The Brass Rail, The Fox Pavilion, Professors Steakhouse and Saloon, Coffee Rules Lounge, Neighbars and Chuck’s. Tickets for the event were $15 and included transportation for the evening as well as an official Tavern Tour t-shirt. All proceeds from the event were donated to the Partnership for a Safer Community in support of the local Safe Ride program. With an almost sold-out crowd, the event successfully raised approximately $500 for the organization. “It seemed like a natural fit since the Safe Ride program is such an important service to the community and just like many other programs, it needs exposure and financial support,” explained William. “The Safe Ride program is used frequently by patrons of the sponsors of this event, namely local taverns.”
If you missed out on the fun time or are looking forward to the next Tavern Tour or other events visit our calendar of events at www.ChestnutStreetDistrict.com or for Hays community events, visit www.discoverhays.com.
