Neon, nostalgia and cheers: Downtown Sumter Microbrew Festival a totally tubular success

SUBMITTED

Downtown Sumter came alive in electric neon and leg warmers as several hundred guests flooded the streets in their raddest 1980s attire for the Downtown Sumter Microbrew Festival this past weekend. With food, craft beer, throwback music and community spirit at 17 downtown locations, the evening was a totally righteous celebration that raised money for local youth programs.

The festival featured an impressive variety of craft beers generously donated by Yahnis, served at participating downtown venues, each paired with tasty bites and lively entertainment. Festivalgoers voted Under the Cover as the Best Totally Tubular Location and the winner of All the Most Righteous Grubbage award, recognizing its outstanding '80s-themed setup and cuisine.

Bad Water headlined the night, rocking out at Rotary Plaza with a full lineup of '80s pop hits they learned especially for the event, keeping crowds rocking all evening.

Main Street Tavern and Stucker Family Farm served as this year's Keg Sponsors, with Smith Robinson stepping in as the Pony Sponsor. Additional support came from valued sponsors including the Elks Lodge, Troy University, Thompson Construction, Under the Cover, Joy Gallery Salon and Nicole Norris Design Studio. The festival organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to each of these partners for making the event possible.

The fun extended to costume contests, where prizes were awarded for Best Couples Costume, Best Overall Costume and Most Creative Costume.

Special thanks also go out to the festival locations, including: J. O'Gradys, Under the Cover, Spice & Grain Gourmet, Hill Printing, Stucker Family Farm, Jamil Flyers, Sumter Board of Realtors, Elks Lodge, Nicole Norris Design Studio, Lollibear, Troy University, Thompson Construction, Joy Gallery Salon, Main Street Tavern, Hyatt Place and Habitat for Humanity.

Proceeds from the event benefit Palmetto Optimist Club, which supports youth programs throughout Sumter.

For more information or to get involved with the Palmetto Optimist Club, please email palmettooptimistclub@gmail.com.