Brew & Stew returns in 2018

CRESCO - Organizers of the Brew & Stew said they were going to return in 2018, and they kept their word! The St. Patrick’s Day Brew & Stew, 5K Fun Run/Walk or 15K Bike Ride is back!

Diane Henry, President of F.I.T. Running Club explained, “It was jointly decided between F.I.T. and [Cresco Community Fire Department]  that we take off one year, due to the amount of volunteer hours put into an event like this.”

For 2017, another organization stepped up to fill the void. “We definitely had some disappointed participants [last year] but encouraged them to participate in the Cresco Fitness Center’s St. Paddy’s run.”

Now it is back to normal, making this the 9th event for F.I.T. Henry commented, “We promised we’d be back, and we are! It’s always a fun time!”

And what a year to return! Brew & Stew is actually taking place on St. Patrick’s Day. “That makes it extra special,” Henry observed. “Plus our sponsorship level of this year’s event has been fantastic.  We commend the Cresco businesses for being so supportive and ask that participants patronize these businesses.” 

Co-chairs of the event are Brad Burke and Barry Christensen.

Even with taking a year off, the event remains the same, with the run starting at 5 p.m. and free Brew & Stew from 5:30-7:30 at the after-race party for participants. This  includes free brew, snacks and some music at The M&M Lounge,  The Pub and South Side Bar & Grill. A family-friendly event with festive music, Mulligan stew and other goodies will be held at Burke Auction building at 117 S. Park Place.

Henry added, “We highly encourage participants to dress festive! Come early for the costume contest, which will be in the American Legion Building from 1-4:45 p.m.  Individual and team winners will be announced at the start of the race.”

Sign up early

A free gift bag with St. Patty’s Day swag will be given to the first 400 registrants. In addition, only the first 600 individuals can register.

 

The races

• The Fun Run/Walk is 3.1 miles on the streets of Cresco. It starts at 5 p.m. by the Howard County Courthouse.

• For the biking part of the event, it will either be a 15K or 8K, depending on the weather and road conditions.

Trophies will be given for first place for male and female.

A raffle drawing will be held for two $100 gift certificates to Cresco Bicycles.

 

Costume Contest

Individuals who dress up are eligible for $100 in Cresco Bucks. Teams will be looking to take home $200 in Cresco Bucks. 

In the past there have been some pretty wacky outfits, and each year groups and individuals try to outdo each other on being the most outrageous. 

For more information or to register online, go to http://www.active.com/cresco-ia/running/brew-and-stew-2018, or call Henry at 563-379-3003. Or check out page six of this issue of Times Plain Dealer.

All proceeds will be donated to the Cresco Fire Fighters, Prairie Springs Recreational Trail and Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation.