First Fremont Rotary's Blues Brews & Brats

This year the Rotary Club of Fremont embarked on a new annual event to generate funds to contribute to our community. This project, called “Blues, Brews, and Brats,” was completed under the leadership of Club President Doug Beck and Event Chairs Tim Ellenberger and Tom Hoffman.

 

Advance work on Blues, Brews, and Brats began in March with a number of sub committees appointed to spearhead our efforts. Marketing was achieved through billboards, the news media, posters, social media, and at community sites where tickets were sold. The event eventually involved almost every Club member. In advance of the event, nineteen area businesses and individuals, most involving Rotarians, provided sponsorships, and an additional nine businesses provided supplies, equipment, and/or services at no charge.

 

Planning culminated with the execution of the event in downtown Fremont on the evening of August 20, with music provided by three blues bands. A selection of craft and standard beers, premium cigars, and grilled brats were available for purchase. Service was provided by 50 volunteers, including 30 Club members, 16 friends and family, and four members of the Waterville Rotary Club. Rain adversely effected attendance, yet there were still 280 attendees. Tickets sold in advance totaled 315, and 68 were sold at the door.

 

The project was a success, with a netprofit of $7556. Food and paper projects left over after the event were donated to the Liberty Center, a facility for homeless families. The proceeds of the event will go to the Club’s Centennial Fund and to ongoing Club projects.