FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- 'To brew, or not to brew' is the question being asked on Friday (July 8) in the River Valley. A craft beer festival is taking place with all proceeds benefiting charity.
Vendors will be set up at Harry E. Kelley Park in downtown Fort Smith for the annual Ale on the Border Beer Festival.
A $20 donation is required at the gate before entering. All donations will be going to Antioch for Youth and Family. The non-profit provides supplemental food assistance and youth development services in the greater Fort Smith area.
The organization participates in programs such as Antioch in the Park, where they go to local parks and hand out free meals and groceries to those in need. Antioch for Youth and Family also helps disabled families and veterans.
Last year, the craft beer festival raised more than $3,000 for the organization, which helped them feed hundreds of families across the area.
The local home brew club called the River Valley Ale Raisers is hosing this event. The Ale Raisers are a group of members or "brew masters" that get together once a month and sample each others craft beer. They're passionate about their brew and also happy to help people in need.
"We knew we wanted to do something that will give back to the community and not just make profit for our group," said Vice President of the Ale Raisers, Paul Van Lare. He adds, "We benefit the community in more ways than one by providing money for the non-profit organization and supporting the community by bringing in people for the event."
Live music and beer sampling begins at 6 p.m. in downtown Fort Smith at Harry E. Kelley Park. You must be at least 21 years old to attend.
The group is also hosting another event called the All American Brew Off Competition on Saturday (July 9). The event is also happening at Harry E. Kelley Park at 10 a.m.