Digfest on Tap

By Amanda Ross

Grandview hosts a celebration of locally-crafted beverages

Looking for an entertaining way to lift your spirits? Raise a glass at the second annual Digfest – short for Drinks in Grandview – scheduled for 4-10 p.m. June 16 at Grandview Yard, on Yard Street.

The festival, hosted by the Grandview Area Chamber of Commerce, is part of the “Shop Local” movement, which encourages the support of central Ohio small businesses.

“We wanted to do something unique that no other community in central Ohio had tried,” says Michelle Wilson, executive director of the Chamber. “With the abundance of wineries, distilleries and micro-brewers in the area, it made sense to promote.”

The event is free to attend. Taste-sized portions of beverages are available with the purchase of tasting tickets, which are sold in packs of five at $1 per ticket. Instead of a VIP hour this year, the event will be open to every- one for the entire six hours, with last call at 9:45 p.m.

Last year, Digfest generated a substantial amount of interest from Grandview Heights locals with its variety of vendors, food and entertainment.

“Honestly, I expected mostly 30-somethings to be the crowd majority last year,” says Wilson. “We had patrons in every age category and it was great to see we appealed to many audiences.”

With more than 4,000 patrons expected to attend the 2012 event, the Chamber decided to add an exciting home brewer element this year with a contest sanctioned by the American Home Brewers Association. The associ- ation will be judging the home brews, as well as holding demonstrations and selling supplies for home brewing.

For music enthusiasts, the evening will include buzzworthy performances by Colin Gawel and the Lonely Bones, and Jared Mahone.

Yellow Cab of Columbus, one of the event sponsors, will offer SafeRide vouchers to anyone needing safe transportation home from Digfest.

For more information, or to volunteer, visit www.grandviewchamber.org or email Michelle Wilson at mwilson@grandviewchamber.org.

Amanda Ross is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at laurand@pubgroupltd.com.

Michele Rapp’s club insipires

Thursday, May 17, 2012 | 6 p.m. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 4850 Powell Road | Powell, OH 43065

Celebrate the Hospital’s 50th anniversary by joining Jack Hanna for Central Ohio’s premier event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The evening will feature delectable cuisine, courtesy of Catering by Cox, cocktails and one-of-a-kind items up for bid in the live and silent auctions.

For Sponsorships & Benefits, along with Ticket information, please visit www.stjude.org/discoverthedream.

For more information, please contact: Beth Desai | ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 908.281.5840 | beth.desai@stjude.org or call the Columbus St. Jude Office at 614.488.3681

personalities By Duane St. Clair