Is there any better motivator for a race than a cold craft brew awaiting you once you cross the finish line? Formed in 2016, Newtown Square Neighbors harnessed that combo for its Pints in the Square Craft Brew Fest and 5K, slated for Sept. 9. This year marks the organization’s second go-around for this novel event.
“Our township doesn’t really have a lot of events,” says NSN co-founder Bridget Thompson. “My friends and I were going to West Chester and Media, and we decided we needed something here.”
Thompson and 15 friends—mostly Newtown Square residents—started the organization with the goal of enlivening the area while raising funds for the community. “I don’t really think there’s anything like this out there,” she says.
This year’s 5K will be a double loop of Ellis Preserve, followed by the craft beer festival. Thompson expects about 30 local breweries, including Victory Brewing Company, Locust Lane Craft Brewery, Conshohocken Brewing Company, La Cabra Brewing and Sly Fox Brewing Company. There will also be lawn games and live entertainment. Sports anchor Michael Barkann will emcee the event.
Beer fans are encouraged but not required to participate in the 5K. About 800 people came out last year, and Thompson expects that number to be closer to 1,200 this year. Between sponsorship and ticket sales, they raised $25,000 in 2016. The hope is to double that this year. Proceeds benefit Newtown Square Fire Company. “I think it’s great the way people come together—the businesses and the community—to rally,” says Thompson.
Visit www.pintsinthesquare.com.