Enjoying a beer at the Great Okanagan Beer Festival.

Gibbons Festivals and Events are proud to announce that the inaugural Great Okanagan Beer Festival was a sun-soaked success. Over a dozen beer themed events happened among the bars and restaurants of Kelowna, and Saturday’s Main Event went off without a hitch, serving 119 beers and 9 different ciders to nearly 2000 smiling guests in 25-Celsius weather at Kelowna’s beautiful Waterfront Park.

The debrief with the City of Kelowna’s Outdoor Events Committee and all other stakeholders finished up with nothing but positive results, and laid tentative plans for the festivals return on the same weekend in 2016.

“The inaugural GOBF was everything a first time festival should be,” commented Gerry Heiter, Chairman of the Great Canadian Beer Festival, one of the provinces longest running and largest beer festivals, held in Victoria BC. “A laid-back, fun festival in a wonderful setting, with a beer selection that had something for everyone to enjoy”.

2015 Best in Fest Awards Results

Parallel 49 blue logo

Gibbons Festivals & Events Co.’s signature awards, “The Best In Fest”, saw Vancouver’s Parallel 49 Brewing Co. (first place at the 2014 Whistler Village Beer Festival) take first place, securing a draft account at the Train Station Pub in Downtown Kelowna until next year’s festival.

“The opportunities and channels presented to breweries through these events are huge and truly benefit the industry as a whole.” – Paul Gibson-Tigh, Parallel 49th’s award recipient.

 

Four Winds blue logoComing in at a close second were the gents at Four Winds Brewing Co. of Delta BC, winning their tap at the Mission Tap House and third place going to North Vancouver’s Bridge Brewing who will be pouring at the new Black Bear Bar & Grill (formally The Keg, Kelowna).

“We are very excited to start bringing some of our product up to Kelowna and to have a connection through you guys for the mission tap house is very valuable to us! Thank you.” – Brent Mills of Four Winds.

 

$5000 Raised for K-Billie Artist & Athlete Development

Proceeds from Saturday’s Main Event generated over $5000 in donations towards the local based non-profit K-Billie Artist & Athlete Development (K-BAAD).

“K-Billie Artist & Athlete Development is extremely thank-full for the opportunity to align with the Great Okanagan Beer Festival. We produced the on site Busker Program and showcased 15 local artists who performed acoustically to the event attendees,” said Kelly Shepherd, Director of K-BAAD. “We see a bright future for the event and look forward to expanding the entertainment programming next year.” For more information on K-BAAD, visit www.KBAAD.com.

Gibbons Festivals & Events would like to thank the city of Kelowna, all of our partners, and our amazing volunteers for making this event possible. See you all next year!

 

Gibbons Whistler

Gibbons has been celebrating with people since 1979. We operate venues, run festivals, brew beer, talk travel and throw parties.