Fans of craft beers, and the people who create them are in their glory this week, as Victoria hosts the annual Canadian Brewing Awards and Conference.
Local breweries stand to do well at the awards gala that wraps up the three-day event Saturday (May 11) at the Inn at Laurel Point. Last year Greater Victoria brewers captured 18 medals, including three gold.
Vancouver Island Brewery, which took two of those gold, welcomes delegates today (May 9) then hosts an open house Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2330 Government St., when the public can mingle with brewers from across the country.
“With so many great breweries across Canada, this is sure to be an exciting weekend for beer enthusiasts and brewers alike in Victoria,” said VIB general manager Rob Ringma.
Delegates are attending sessions on topics including barrel-aging beer, cross-border distribution, the history of craft brewing and the expansion of the craft beer market.
While the events are only open to conference delegates, pub patrons will likely come across some of the brewers and company representatives during the Friday night pub crawl.
M&M Meats BBQ a fundraiser for Crohn’s/colitis
On Saturday (May 11) at all six M&M Meats locations around Greater Victoria, staff and volunteers will be manning the grill for the 25th annual fundraiser barbecue, in aid of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. People can stop by and order a hamburger or hot dog from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Along with a drink and chips, the food is available for a minimum donation of $3.
Retirement residence honours moms in May
The Victorian independent retirement community is paying homage to mothers this month with free events at 1773 Feltham Rd. in Saanich. This Sunday (May 12) from 2 to 4 p.m. features a Mother’s Day tea, while on May 19 it’s an open house starting at 11 a.m. The events are open to people of all ages, but seniors are especially invited. To RSVP for either event, call 250-477-1912, or go to the-victorian.net for more information.
Bridal businesses join forces
Bridal industry professionals in Greater Victoria, led by hair and makeup artist Sharon Rai, have banded together under the umbrella of Women of Weddings to help cross-promote and learn about each other’s businesses. The group includes women in sectors from catering and photography to beauty and floral design. It also stages simulated “mini-weddings” to showcase services. The next one is May 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Decorate Victoria Showroom, Unit F, 480 Tennyson Pl. For more information, call Rai at 778-430-7847.
Home-cooked dinners available in meal-size
The Apple Box is in its second month selling farm-fresh meals to go out of the Vic West Community Centre at 521 Craigflower Rd. They sell dinner staples such as lasagna, Shepherd's pie, soups and side dishes, freshly frozen for easy transport and storage. The organic recipes date back from a great grandmothers' cookbook. The kitchen is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., call ahead to order at 250-532-0687 or inquire about delivery.
Names in the Victoria business news
Certified personal trainer Lee Colgate has started offering an outdoor boot camp in Victoria for dog owners and their pooches, calling her business SweatPant. Visit sweatpant.net for more information … Physiotherapist Roseanne Chamberlin is back at Lifemark Health in the Esquimalt Rec Centre, after a brief hiatus.
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