Grayson Blues and Brews event

First Annual Grayson Blues & Brews Event
Craft Beer Festival & Concert
by Michelle Couch

We are very pleased to announce that the newly established City of Grayson's Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will host is first event this month! In addition to community development and revitalization programs, the DDA will also be hosting a variety of
community events in the future. First up is the Grayson Blues & Brews Craft Beer Festival & Concert which is scheduled for September 25th, 2010 from 12:00pm-4:00pm. Grayson Blues & Brews is very similar in concept to other Atlanta area beer festivals, e.g. Decatur and Doraville/Dunwoody.

Over 150 Craft Beer varietals will be available for sampling and Southern Rock Group, Critical Velocity, will be the concert's headlining band! Additional activities include a corn-hole gaming area, a football arena tent for game viewing, door prizes and much, much more. The event has also "Gone Green" and is working with Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful who will provide recycling drums!

The event will be held outside in the Grayson City Park where a secured beer park will be constructed for security controls. The festival will employ off duty Police Officers as well as the city's own Private Security company. All attendees and volunteers are required to be at least 21 yrs old for admission and will be given a secure armband, along with a shag bag, commemorative 5 oz. sampling stein, and an event t-shirt for their admission fee.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $30.00 at Grayson's Hail Mary Sports Pub, Johnny's Pizza or Grayson City Hall. Online ticket sales are available from the event's website for $32.50 at http://www.facebook.com/l/dd4cbr6MThb60QNIq7qj36OW3Ig;www.GraysonBluesAndBrews.com. Tickets will be $35 at the gate on event day. Ticket sales are limited to 1000 attendees; craft beer lovers are strongly encouraged to get their tickets in advance.

The event's Exclusive Malt Beverage Sponsor is Eagle Rock Distributors and Craft Beer Favorite, Magic Hat! To date we have secured the full line of craft beers from Eagle Rock, Sweetwater, Abita, Atlanta Brewing Company, Guinness, Bass and Smithwicks. We look forward to providing festival patrons a vast number of incredible craft and specialty beers for their tasting pleasure!

Bookend dining establishments, The Hail Mary Sports Pub and Johnny's New York Pizza, along with the Eastside Chamber of Commerce are Presenting Sponsors for the event. These sponsors also serve as the event's planning committee with other community leaders.

Many area businesses are excited and have supported the event through sponsorships. Platinum sponsors include Black Diamond Communities, Chelsea Gardens, Keller Williams Realty/Toni Taggart, Mulch & More, North American Tree Service, Optimum Health, Precision Planning and Summit Chase Country Club. Additional sponsors include Brand Financial Services, Elevation Realty, Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, Harrell for State House, Mr. Transmission, Stone Mountain Ice and Toby Sexton Tire Company.

So far the event has created significant community buzz with many pre sold tickets, volunteers for pouring, concessions vendors and live entertainment. The Grayson DDA is working hard to ensure that this one of a kind adult event provides for a safe and fun-filled day for the community!