A Lovely Day in the Neighborhood – sustainable BALLARD

Last Saturday over 100 people(many new to SB), 6 dogs, 30 volunteers from our various projects, and 7 breweries participated in this year’s annual Spring Beer Hop. There were also 11 lucky winners of our raffle which included electric bike rental from Electric Folding Bikes NW, Dingo Dollars for beer/food at Kiss Cafe, a handmade Camp McGowan cribbage board made of maple with padauk inlays and danish oil finish, FC Ballard or Salmon Bay FC game tickets, and many other fun items. It was a lovely day, filled with community, collaboration and celebration!

First we would like to thank our community partners for sponsoring this event. Kiss Cafe has been a Ballard beer lovers and neighborhood favorite for over 19 years. If you have visited this Cafe nestled in between the Nordic Museum and the Chittenden Locks you know they have delicious soups, sandwiches and one of the largest selections of beers/ciders/wine/NA beverages. They are also home to the “Ballard Drinking Team”, where you enjoy 100 different beers in one year and earn a personalized pint glass, team #, and the associated bragging rights. If you enjoyed this years breweries you can enjoy them all at KISS Cafe. This is a wonderful spot to pick up sandwiches and drinks to take to the Locks, Golden Gardens, or other beautiful near by outdoor spaces. Interested in learning more about craft beer? Join “Beer School” each Wednesday at 4:15pm.

Our friends at Electric Folding Bikes Northwest on Leary near the Ballard Bridge and not far from the Burke-Gilman Trail, are celebrating 30 years of service & sales here in the neighborhood. This is a great place to purchase or rent electric bikes, folding bikes and more. Their talented and friendly service team works on all types of bikes. This is a great place to find anything from bike parts to children’s bike accessories and much more.

FC Ballard has been our home team since 2022 and Salmon Bay FC had their inaugural season last year. These teams the whole community can rally behind. Thank you for supporting our event and helping others grow connection here in Ballard. Limback’s Lumber has been here in Ballard for over 96 years! A family owned business now in its third generation, this is the place for quality products and friendly service. Shop local!

Remember, without unique independently owned small businesses Ballard wouldn’t be the wonderful place it is to live, work, and play! Please support these local gems and keep our local economy healthy and resilient. When we support each other great things grow!

Last but not least, CHEERS to Stoup Brewing, Obec Brewing, Old Stove Gardens, Fair Isle Brewing ,Brewing Rooftop Brew Co., Reuben’s Brews , and Urban Family!!!!!!! Your beers, breweries, and taprooms/beer gardens are some of the best in the PNW. Thanks for providing delicious craft beers and welcoming third places here in our neighborhood!