By Kacie Krominga –
MASON CITY – The 7th annual Valenwine was held Friday evening at Music Man Square. Put on by Main Street Mason City, this year’s main sponsors were North Iowa Community Credit Union and White Sail.
Eight different wineries and breweries were brought in this year. Some of them have been showing off their beverages since the event started in 2005, but this year brought newcomer Scott Hamerlinck to show off his beers.
Angry Cedar Brewery, located in Waverly, didn’t have a smooth starting out. Hamerlinck started his brewery like a lot of people do – in his house. When the floods of 2008 rolled in, he was forced to move the production from his basement to the main floor, but the two feet of floodwater stopped him.
Among the things that remained from his house, Hamerlinck said his production equipment was the majority of his belongings that were saved.
He rebuilt his house and started production again, and came up with a witty slogan for his company: “When life gives you water, make beer.”
Hamerlinck said he was glad he got invited this year and thinks the event is a good way to meet new people.
“The instant feedback and letting people give [my beer] a shot is great,” he said.
One other company that was new this year was Train Wreck Wines, which recently opened Dec. 2011.
Dallas Clark, the owner, sent his mother and father in-law to help with the wine tasting at Valenwine. Steve Larson, his father in-law, said it’s a great opportunity to get the company known.
“People have been hearing about us but it’s great to finally put a face to the name,” he said.
Others agree that the event is a great way to interact with future customers and spread the news about downtown life. Candy Ockerman, owner of Candy Bar thought just that.
“It’s a nice social event that shows new downtown growth,” she said. “People should check out more events.”
Along with wine and beer tastings, food was served and a live and silent auction took place, featuring gifts from Morman Clothiers, The Diamond Store and Three Eagles Communication.
Jennifer Pearce, Main Street Mason City’s Board President was most looking forward to seeing how much the silent auction basket that held the Pandora bracelet would go for.
This type of event, Pearce said, is great for the whole community to see the support and volunteer hours that go into it.
“We are just flattered to have so many people believe in this organization and support it,” she said.
