Craft brewers tailgating in Shelburne

Craft brewers from along the South Shore will be turning on their taps at the first annual 103 Tailgate Party and Tap Takeover in Shelburne on Sept. 28.

Being hosted by Boxing Rock at Loyalist Plaza on Water Street, “We're teaming up with some of the South Shore's finest breweries to bring you an awesome party,” said Sheila Bird, retail and events outreach manager for Boxing Rock.

The Heritage Brewing Co., Tanner & Co. Brewing, Salt Box Brewing Co., Hell Bay Brewing Co. and Tusket Falls Brewing

Co. will be joining Boxing Rock to serve their beer tailgate style. The party gets started at 4 p.m. at Boxing Rock’s new taproom, just opened less than a month ago.

“We just opened a new beautiful new taproom and we wanted to invite all our neighbours and friends to come celebrate with us,” said Bird. “Fall is a great time for beer fests and Octoberfests,” with the tailgate aspect of the party an ode to football.

Live music by a variety of local musicians, games and food will also be part of the festivities.

The craft beer market and the number of craft brewers in Nova Scotia has been a growing industry over the past five years.

“Craft breweries are a very collaborative industry,” said

Bird. “Everybody wants to support each other.”

With more than 50 different craft brewers in the province, “We like to say we’re never half hour drive away from a brewery in Nova Scotia,” added Bird. “A lot of local rural towns have been able to have great breweries set up and increase community space and I think that’s what important to Boxing Rock. By starting this new taproom, we really wanted to welcome the community to have a place to come, eat, drink and listen to great music.”

Tickets for the 103 Tailgate Party and Tap Takeover are available in advance at www. boxingrock.ca or at Boxing Rock’s taproom at 218 Water Street.

Included in the ticket are 8x4oz samples from the participating brewers as well as festival glass.

Advance tickets are $25. At the door is $30.