Need a year’s supply of beer? Try the Black Star Barter
Published: January 12, 2012
A year’s supply of beer is “nothing to sneeze at,” notes Black Star Brewery founder Minott Wessinger. “That’s 52 cases of golden lager beer.”
That bounty of brews goes to the “most creative, awesome, thoughtful and enthusiastic” participant during the Black Star Barter, held at 5 p.m. Feb. 4 in front of the Great Northern Brewery as part of the Winter Carnival in Whitefish.
The unique event first debuted in 2000 when people traded treasures for beer. It was resurrected last year, and attracted over 30 participants and more than 1,000 enthusiastic spectators, who swigged Black Star out of complimentary tin cups.
“Last year we saw some outrageous goods being bartered,” says Wessinger. “We can’t wait to see what the competition brings in this year!”
Tucker Sargent and Leah Lewis of Missoula claimed last year’s prize by writing and producing witty radio commercials for Black Star.
Competitors included a young family of four willing to trade their hog and two egg-laying chickens, replete with a Black Star Beer version of Green Eggs and Ham; a handcrafted Black Star athletic ensemble, which featured a jock strap adorned with vintage Black Star bottle caps; and Nishka, the hound dog, who howled along with his five-year-old harmonica-playing owner.
Although they didn't win the year's supply of beer, Emcee Zak Anderson promised Nishka five-months worth of Black Star doggy treats, “which is what, 10 years on the K9 calendar?"
Fine woodwork, whitewater-rafting trips and aerial drops of beer were also among the offerings made by Whitefish residents and visitors from Great Falls, Missoula and Kalispell.
Black Star is encouraging more groups to participate this year. The big stage offers ample room for choreographed song and dance routines, ensembles and marching bands. “The more pomp and circumstance, the better," says Wessinger.
Mostly though, the brewery encourages barterers “to just have fun, grab your friends and get creative.”
Contestants may register their barter submissions at the Great Northern Brewery from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. Barterers and their treasures must be on hand to participate. And although it’s a winner-takes-all contest, all participants receive a Black Star goodie bag.
Immediately following the barter, Black Star and the Great Northern Brewery celebrates 17 years of fine brewing at the annual anniversary party, featuring infectious bluegrass by the Li'l Smokies and an Anniversary Black Lager, created by head brewer Joe Barberis for the occasion.
Black Star and Great Northern also participate in Friday’s Pub Crawl, and will give away one limited-edition Black Star blanket, made by Pendleton Woolen Mills, at each of the participating bars. Winners will be announced during a group cheer at midnight.
For details on the barter and related festivities, call 406-863-1000 or visit blackstarbeer.com/the-good-stuff/barter/.
“The Barter is a perfect complement to the fun and outlandish events that take place over Winter Carnival Weekend,” says Ross Strauser, 2011 chairman of the Whitefish Winter Carnival Committee. For more information on the carnival, visit www.whitefishwintercarnival.com.
