Fourth annual brewfest returns to Chinook Saturday

The group looking to rehabilitate the Chinook city pool and its Sweet Park have an event set this weekend for people to get together and have some fun while helping in its effort to fund repairs.

“The Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation would like to invite people from across the Hi-Line to help fund necessary improvements to the Pool and Park Complex in Chinook,” the group said in a release, adding that its Fourth Annual Brewfest will be held at Sweet Park in Chinook Saturday, Sept. 30, starting at 4 p.m.

Friends has previously provided background for its efforts with a release in 2021.

The release said the outdoor pool has provided an enormous amount of enjoyment and benefits in its five decades of operation.

In 2021, more than 5,700 individual visits to the pool occurred, many of which were from out of the area.

“It’s quite interesting to see how many people come from afar to our quaint town to enjoy our wonderful outdoor pool,” foundation board member Jill Paulsen said in the release. “Once this project is fully completed, it will be a definite draw for people to visit Chinook or even opt to move here. Next to housing prices and school districts, neighborhood amenities are the third-largest reason a family chooses to move to a community.”

Swimming lessons are also an important reason for keeping the pool maintained, the release said.

“It takes an average of 52 lessons for a child to become a competent swimmer,” Paulsen said in the release. “Learning how to swim takes time, consistency and plenty of practice, something that we feel is so important for the children of the community to learn. Should the pool fail, children would not be able to swim in a safe environment, let alone learn how to swim properly. Swimming is an important part of our community, and it shows with our powerhouse swim team that holds the 2022 ... State Championship title.”

An aging facility

The Chinook Pool was built in 1976 and is now 47 years old, the release said. In that time, the pool has seen significant deterioration, and it has been experiencing issues that will lead to larger, more expensive problems in the future if repairs are not made soon.

The Friends of the Pool hired a professional engineer who specializes in pools to come and look at the facility and prepare a report, the release added. Upon his visit, he determined that the pool has started to leak based upon the information provided by the City of Chinook. His analysis was based on how often water must be added to the pool throughout the summer. With calculations, the pool filling has exceeded regular evaporation; therefore, he believes that it has started to leak.

The plans also are to repair and upgrade Sweet Park next to the pool. When it rains heavily, the park often floods due to drainage issues and a large portion of the playground equipment has been removed for safety reasons, the release said.

Brewfest set for 023

The release about the brewfest said the fun-filled event is one of the major fundraisers for the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation and the event happens annually.

This year, the Brewfest will start at 4 p.m. at Sweet Memorial Park at 800 New York Street, and it will feature many different craft beers, ciders, wine and will also have a new Root Beer Float Bar this year for people who do not wish to drink alcoholic beverages. Blaine County Wildlife Museum will be hosting a barbecue with smoked brisket sandwiches, beans, salads, cookie and water for $13 a plate.

Stonebroke String Band will be playing live music, and the event also will have a silent auction, kids drawings, “and so much more,” the release said. “Everyone is welcome to attend, even non-drinkers. Come on down and enjoy the music, food and community.”

On tap will be dozens of craft beers from names like Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company, Lewis and Clark Brewing, Phillipsburg Brewing, Kettlehouse Brewing, Triple Dog Brewing and more.

The 2023 prices for the brewfest are: a mug and two drink tickets are $20; a mug and four drink tickets are $25; or a mug and unlimited drink tickets are $35. Individual mugs are $10 each and drink tickets are $3 each for beer, ciders, wine and root beer floats.

The event is also held in conjunction with the Chinook Rod and Gun Club’s 11th Annual Gun and Antique Show that will be happening at the Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the release added. The Blaine County Cruisers will also be hosting a car show that day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Blaine County Fairgrounds as well.

“As you can see, there will be lots of fun events happening in Chinook on Saturday, Sept. 30, you won’t want to miss it,” the release said.

Tower heaters will be available should it get chilly that evening as well as seating for those in attendance.

“In the event that you need a ride home, the Blaine County DUI Task Force is offering free rides again this year,” the release said.

“Jean Kokkeler also generously donated several bikes for kids as a giveaway at this year’s event, you won’t want to miss this fun-filled evening,” it added.

“We would also like to extend a huge thank you to all our amazing sponsors, without them we could not have an event of this magnitude,” the releasee said. “We also have the best volunteers, and we are so very grateful for everyone who has donated their precious time to our event in the past. If you would like to volunteer at the upcoming event, Brewfest volunteers will receive a free mug and drinks. If you are interested in volunteering, text us at 406-531-4411 or email us at [email protected].

“Thank you for your support of the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundations mission to fix our aging pool and park facilities,” the release said. “All proceeds will benefit this mission.”