By Judith Roberts
The Crawl is for all.
The second annual Beer Crawl again had a sellout crowd as area residents celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in downtown Ruston.
Amy Stegall, Main Street director and community coordinator, said all 500 tickets available for the St. Patrick’s Day event were sold out days before the event.
“We love when people are smiling the whole night – and it was great to see so many people enjoying our downtown,” Stegall said. “With a sellout crowd, live music throughout the district and yard games at several spots, this was one of the best nights of the year in downtown Ruston.”
While the event helps build community, Stegall said another benefit is residents visiting merchant shops.
“These events in particular are laid back and so much fun to enjoy with friends,” she said. “It brings a crowd that we see visiting on the sidewalks and in stores – who oftentimes have never met before. And it’s great for our merchants – if I hear it once, I hear it 20 times, ‘I didn’t know this store was here!’ This is a fantastic way to introduce people to all the things we offer in downtown.”
And while the Beer Crawl is not typically a St. Patrick’s Day event, having it fall on the holiday just made it more special, Stegall said, with people dressing up.
“We love any reason for people to dress up. So lots of green – but some cute hats, tutus and lederhosen,” Stegall said. “Our merchants showed out with 17% off sales, several of live musicians, snacks, artworks, temporary tattoos and lots more.”
While the Beer Crawl won’t return for another year, Stegall said residents who are eager for a similar event can look forward to the fall.
“We love this event and its sister event, the Wine Walk. It is such a fun night of getting to relax and have so much fun with our friends,” she said. “It wouldn’t be possible without our Friends of Ruston Main Street Board and our awesome merchants and businesses downtown who are always up for fun.”
