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Labor Of Love
This year’s Festival of Beers is guaranteed to keep hearts beating in rhythm - April 25!


By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia.com Editor

Sun, suds, and sounds - a perfect party combination.

Let’s not forget “Love!” After all, “Summer of Love,” is the theme of this year’s Active 20/30 Club’s 17th annual Festival of Beers happening Saturday, April 25, 1 to 5 p.m. at Stramler Park.



And named rightly so …

When it comes to fundraising for children’s charities, the heart-felt mission of the Active 20/30 Club, Bakersfield will happily raise their mugs to the occasion.

For the uninitiated, allow us to give you a little behind the scenes info …

The Festival of Beers takes six months of hard work to organize, and all money raised goes to children’s charities, an important fact the club would like all attendees to know. This is true partying with purpose.



Not just limited to the annual suds in the sun fest, the Bakersfield Active 20/30 function year-round as a service club - a volunteer, non-profit organization that meets regularly organizing charitable events to raise money in their community.



Similar to that of other groups like the Rotary Club and Lions, the Active 20/30 of USA and Canada raises funds to help young people in their city.

Founded in 1922, the Bakersfield chapter celebrates its 81st anniversary this year.

In addition to another birthday, the USA & International Active 20/30 were awarded the ‘08 Presidential Youth Service “Points of Light” award, and a Congressional commendation.



As is the case with most clubs, they do have their own set of membership rules - you must be between the ages of 20 and 40, pro-active in the club’s efforts, and of course - be professional.

Lawyers, real estate agents, cops, teachers, people in the gardening business, DJs and self-employed members, you name it - everyone is welcome to join the club!



Almost everyone - but don’t be put off just yet. There is also a Bakersfield Women’s Active 20/30! These active ladies also help to raise funds organizing fun events like the annual Rubber Duckie Race held last month at River Walk.



Regular recruiting methods include membership drives at various local establishments, and mixer events allowing potential new recruits a chance to meet current members.



Together as a team of fundraising friends, the Active 20/30 Club’s list of organizations benefitting from events like the Festival of Beers are chosen according to the quality of work they do in the community. Some of these groups includeMARE (Mastering Abilities Riding Equines), PAL (Police Activity League,) Special Olympics, and the Boys & Girls Club of Bakersfield.



Other annual fundraising events like Child Spree, the Buddy Walk, and Christmas Experience give members a chance to interact with the community, by participating in  school supply drives, and gift giving for our local kids in need.

“Active 20/30 has been partnering with us for 13 years,” said Zane Smith, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Bakersfield. “They helped underwrite our computer education program with new computers and software, as well as our Summer Day Camp that helps out 50 to 60 kids a day during the summer. Most of the kids come from homeless shelters, and foster care, and we provide them with transportation to and from the club.”



Smith continued to praise the of Active 20/30 Festival of Beers partnership.

“We usually receive money a month after the event, and it’s perfect timing for the summertime program,” he said. “They always come through,” said Smith.



The Active 20/30 Club of Bakersfield would also like festival-goers to know that the effort put forth to produce such a big annual event would not be possible without its sponsors - all heavy hitters with big hearts.

Beer vendors Advanced Beverage and WA Thompson help the event get off the ground, along with the extensive list of breweries and vendors. Plus, festival volunteers who serve the beer also get donations made in their name to charity!

“Big” is the best word to describe what beer, food and sun enthusiasts will encounter at the 17th annual Festival of Beers.


Dub Seeds

For the $30 advanced ticket price, you also get hot local bands like Dub Seeds, The Afterparty, Velorio, and DJ jams courtesy of Sound Choice - PLUS the crowning of Miss Festival of Beers 2009. All elements add up to more than just your average beer bust.


The Afterparty

Don’t forget the VIP section which grows bigger each year with more than 10 different restaurants inside and more beer!


Velorio

VIP tickets are limited at $100, so make sure to find a member and get them before they’re gone.

Your Active 20/30 hosts also want to remind you that like any alcohol-infused frolic, the festival is for those 21 & over only, and there will be enough security provided to maintain party order throughout the day.

AFTER YOU REST UP - HEAD OVER TO SPORTS & SPIRITS!


WWW.BAKERSFIELDFESTIVALOFBEERS.COM

-17th Annual Festival of Beers
-Saturday, April 25, 2009
-1 to 5 p.m.
-Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave.
-21 & Over
-Cost: $30 Adv / $40 Door
-Tickets available at: Deja Vu Love Boutique, Lengthwise Brewery, Pete's Seats, Tilted Kilt, Golden West Casino

ENTER TO WIN FREE TICKETS!
(CLICK ON FLIER BELOW!)
 

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 52, 4-16-09