It has been a hectic few months for Jonathan St. Pierre and his team in preparations for Stars and Thunder, but the hard work and long hours are really paying off.
Although he isn't allowed to discuss specific sales numbers, he says the big crowds after four days thus far have been very supportive and very thirsty.
"We thought for sure with some of the weather changes, it would affect us, but no, its been really good. Sales have been through the roof for all breweries participating here, as well with Tap It being here with the City of Timmins," said St. Pierre, the owner of Tap It Draught Services, and the founder of Full Beard Brewing, the city's burgeoning craft brewing company.
There are three stations serving beer around the festival grounds, and visitors from out of town have had the opportunity to sample beers they may not always get a chance to. St. Pierre said it was great of the organizers to include regional craft brewers in the massive music and fireworks festival to give everyone more options.
"There's been a huge reception of people asking for local breweries to be out at events like these. Obviously Labatt's is here, but we have Full Beard Brewing from Timmins, and we also have Northern Superior from the Soo. Those guys have driven up six hours or so, to come up here and sling some beers with us and partner up with us as well on this huge event," said St. Pierre.
In order to meet the demands of tens of thousands of visitors, the Full Beard brewing team had to shift into overdrive in recent weeks.
"A lot of hours spent on doing some double batches, and kegging, and ordering more equipment, and all that fun jazz. It's a lot of planning ahead."
For the last week or so, St. Pierre's days have been frenetic at Hollinger Park.
"I've been, well I don't want to say 'living here' but its been from 7 o'clock in the morning, until 2 o'clock in the morning, every day. Running around, making sure everybody is making the sales and everything is running smoothly, making sure we're working with the City of Timmins as well, with their groups, and with the other breweries as well. It's a big undertaking. But there is some breathing room some times, time for a quick burger or fry," he says with a laugh.
A standardized price of $6 dollars per beer has been set throughout the festival grounds, much like water and soft drinks.
Beer stations are situated in three corners of the festival grounds, and the entirety of the park is licensed. Andrew Autio for TimminsTodayMegabrew staples like Budweiser and Bud Light are available on tap, and Full Beard has been serving it's increasingly prolific '5 O'clock Shadow' pale ale, as well as its 'Bearded Prospector' cream ale. St. Pierre says other Full Beard offerings will likely soon find their way into the taps at Stars and Thunder.
"We're looking at, if we have enough, we're going to do, just in the VIP side, some Aussie ale. Obviously for Keith Urban night, it would be pretty cool I think. And it will go with our Canadian blonde, so we'll still have some Canada with it, which is awesome. I know Keith Urban is not Canadian, but you know what, he's coming up and celebrating with us, so why not?'
The musical performers at the festival all have their own food and beverage requests as part of their riders. Festival staff are making sure all of the artists needs are met and that their fridges are stocked with their favourite beers. However, some have been curiously sampling the local brew.
"One group is the J.J. Shiplett band. We got them a couple of growlers that the city had purchased on their permit and they loved it. They had them all. We got them a couple of T-shirts as well, and they were pretty happy."
St. Pierre is thrilled with the opportunity to serve so many people in a short amount of time, and hopefully get them interested in Northern Ontario craft beer. He also says his team is ready to send more growlers backstage to the stars at a moment's notice.
"If they need some more back there, for sure we can supply it, and make sure Full Beard's at the front for the fans and at the back of the festival for the artists as well."
