New event brewing up at Gratwick

Another event has been added to this summer's list of offerings at North Tonawanda's Gratwick Riverside Park.

"Brews on the Water and Wines on the Water" will take place at the park along the Niagara River from 1-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20.

The new event will feature wine and beer sampling, food, live performances by local bands and lawn games by the water.

"This is more than just a local festival," said Zaque Evans, promotions manager for Entercom Buffalo. "There are going to be breweries from all across the country."

Attending wineries will promote local products.

But that's not all the event will showcase of the Niagara area.

Entercom searched all throughout Western New York for an ideal venue to host the event and found Gratwick Riverside Park was "such a beautiful" location for its debut, Evans said.

"Gratwick Park came up and it's so perfect for what this event is. We wanted to do something on the water and it's really hard to beat Gratwick Park when it comes to waterfront fun. ... It's perfect right there with the tress and the layout and the river."

Kathy Paradowski, Gratwick Riverside Park liaison, said, the event is another means of "expanding the use of the park. I think it's bringing attention to the fact that the park is available for many different events, because of its actual size and beauty being (right) on the Niagara River."

She added, "North Tonawanda and Gratwick Park are really coming alive with all the activities, the boat races, the concerts and now the wonderful thing is that North Tonawanda has got the attention of Entercom radio."

"Brews on the Water and Wines on the Water" will take place along the river rain or shine. Eventgoers must be 21 or older to participate. Designated driver admission will include entry only without beer and/or wine samples or a glass.

Presale tickets are $35 for brew sampling and $25 for wine tastings. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event for $45 (brews) and $35 (wines).

Although tickets are available for either the brews or wines portions of the event, presale "combo" tickets are also available for $50 for those who prefer to try both, Evans said.

"We know that there are people who may not like beer, they might not yet be into the craft beer scene, so they want to stick with the wine. Or there might be people who are interested in both wine and beer," he said.

For more information and tickets, visit www.getmyperks.com.