This weekend’s instalment of Campfire Sessions, a speakers series for Powell River similar to TED Talks, tackles a topic that has a lot deeper meaning than most people might think: beer.
According to one of For the Love of Beer’s guest speakers, there is an abundance of material for the session’s central question of what makes beer great?
“Beer is one of the great social catalysts throughout history,” says Paul Kamon, Powell River Tourism executive director, Sunshine Coast Tourism marketing director and an instrumental figure in the creation of Destination BC’s Ale Trail campaign. “Beer has been the beverage of the masses and brings people together in celebration. A lot of good times and memorable events revolve around beer.”
Presented by Powell River Public Library, the session will feature several speakers with each taking a few minutes to present their expertise and opinions on why the craft beer industry has exploded in the province.
“BC is quite quickly becoming a world-class destination for craft beer,” says Kamon, who is also director of business development for Vancouver Craft Beer Week. “It’s getting back to quality and artisan products and moving away from the industrial model.”
Also including multiple staff members from local craft brewery Townsite Brewing, the latest of the Campfire Sessions presents an insider view on a bustling industry that, despite new craft breweries constantly opening, has not reached its tap-out point yet.
“Craft beer is diverse,” says Townsite Brewing general manager Chloe Smith. “There are as many different beers as there are people enjoying them.”
Started in 2014, Campfire Sessions allows local experts the chance to give short presentations on chosen topics. Previous sessions in the series included nature, food and children.
“This series showcases the wide range of talent and expertise we have in Powell River,” says the library’s adult services coordinator Mark Merlino.
As for the beer loving, Merlino says he hopes attendees will gain insight into craft beer and the process of brewing, including some real talk from Smith on what the job entails.
“People think this job is all fun and beer sampling, when in reality it is sweaty feet and freezing cold warehouses,” says Smith. “Thankfully, it is beer we are making, which makes it all worth it.”
Campfire Sessions: For the Love of Beer
When: 7-8:30 pm, Saturday, October 1
Where: Cranberry Community Hall
Price: Free (registration required)
Info: 604.485.8664
