Local businesses support one another at Beer Walk

MT. PLEASANT —Main Street Mt. Pleasant celebrated St. Patrick’s Day a day early, last week, with their annual Saving of the Green Beer Walk.

While cold temperatures and a raining evening cut the number of attendees compared to other Main Street events, Director Lisa Oetken knew how to look at the cup as half full.

“We’re doing pretty good,” she said as she sold tickets for the event at the Union Block with Patricia Morley and Ashley Lohmann.

“We’re just giving people the true Ireland experience with the weather,” Oetken said she enjoyed Ruben dip with her fellow ticket salespersons.

Each downtown business took special care to provide more than just a sample of beer to the Beer Walkers.

Mirror Image Owner Tammy Mumme prepared shamrock shake shots, which she said were well received.

“They’ve been sticking their tongues into the bottom of the glass,” Mumme said with a smile.

One Beer Walk patron took a drink of her shamrock shake shot and quickly declared, “That’s my favorite so far!” before heading back out into the chilly evening.

Brown’s Shoe Fit shared Airport Road Vineyard wine, as they normally do for these events, but the Director of Wine Distribution, Dave Rogers, put a St. Patrick’s Day spin on the drinks for the event.

“While we may not make beer, we do make sangria and we’ve made a limited-edition Green Sangria,” the Vineyard shared on their socials prior to the event.

While Rogers usually serves his wines at the Main Street events for Brown’s Shoe Fit, he did have to miss the Wine Walk last month due to his nomination for Winemaker of the Year.

Jefferson Antique Mall served a hard cider option, but also supported another local business, The Preppin’ Mama.

Preppin’ Mama served samples of Bailey’s Pot of Gold cookies at a pop-up shop located in the store.

Etc. also supported a fellow local business as they served samples of beer from The Grange located just across the square from their store.

According to the Etc.’s neighbor Sarah Lauer, owner of LillianGrace Boutique, Etc.’s owner Joni Manske plans to host another event in the near future.

“I know Joni is doing a huge adult scavenger hunt,” she explained to guests in LillianGrace, “…I tell you what, the amount of work she is putting into it is amazing!”

According to Etc.’s Facebook page, the event is set for Tuesday, March 28 beginning at 5:45 p.m. with drinks and samples.

Teams of three to six people can sign up via a link provided on the shop’s Facebook page for $40 per team.

LillianGrace Boutique owner Sarah Lauer wanted to provide something a little different than your average domestic beer for the walk.

They chose to serve Yuengling lager from the oldest independently owner brewery in the United States.

Lauer discovered the beer while in Florida and says that it is not available in Iowa.

Main Street Mt. Pleasant will hold their next event, an Easter Egg Hunt, April 1.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com