After a couple weeks of low-key activity around Columbia, not to mention this wonderful weather weve been having, Im ready for the citys next big event, which is happening Friday.

This one requires a strong liver and that you wear a necklace made of pretzels. I also hear there will be 25 pounds of gummy bears at this thing, bears that have been soaking in 4 liters of coconut rum.

Winterfest Beer Blast returns Jan. 17 for its ninth year. This is always a great and well-attended event, at least according to the photo evidence that helps fill in the blurry gaps and foggy memories. Its also a lot more than an evening spent roaming around Westbury House just off the square tasting all kinds of craft beers, ciders and more from dozens of breweries around the Southeast region.

To those who dont drink, are in recovery or arent 21 yet, there are many other reasons this event is important to the Maury County, to say the least.

Winterfest Beer Blast is first and foremost a fundraiser for Columbia CARES, each year raising more than $5,000 in ticket sales alone (the nonprofit also receives private donations and sponsorships). Columbia CARES is the areas only HIV/AIDS advocacy group, which for almost 30 years has fought to break the stigma of the disease, while also helping patients get the medicine and treatments they need to live healthy, normal lives. Its incredible work that Columbia CARES does, and worth your time in getting to know the organizations story.

It certainly opened my eyes to a few new things when I wrote a story about Columbia CARES for The Daily Heralds monthly Healthy Living tabloid insert in December 2018. December is AIDS Awareness month, with Dec. 1 recognized as World AIDS Day.

Columbia CARES Director Tim Jones, who was diagnosed with HIV in the 1990s, has a great story himself, and is someone Id want in my corner if I were ever given the news, Im sorry to tell you, but your results came back positive. The most interesting takeaway from our interview was just how much the world of AIDS and HIV has changed in the last 25-30 years, and that it isnt exactly considered the death sentence it once was.

You still dont want to get it, thats for sure, but its more manageable these days, and can be handled with the right tools. It takes education, an understanding of your personal case and figuring out the right cocktail of meds to keep it under control. Organizations like Columbia CARES are there to help make that transition as stress-free as possible, to connect patients with the right doctor or offer financial support when available. They even have a 20-minute test onsite for those who think they might have symptoms of HIV, or to rule out any possibility that might be the case.

The point is, organizations like Columbia CARES are there for people in need, with the message to anyone reaching out for help that, we are here, and you are not alone in this. It was also surprising to hear just how many people use Columbia CARES, and that they come from all over the Mid-State, because there really isnt another place like it.

To put it simply, Columbia CARES needs all the help they can get because its work goes beyond Maury County, which can be a lot to take on. It should also raise awareness that more places like it are needed. If giving a few bucks means helping someone in need, while getting fun night downtown in return, who wouldnt want to be part of that?

Beer Blast is also a great way to meet the masterminds behind some of Columbias local brewhouses and other businesses, such as Asgard and Bad Idea Breweries, Briarworks pipe factory and Battleground South Cigar Lounge. There are usually a few local independent brewing connoisseurs serving up samples as well.

My favorite part is when Jones shows up with about a dozen pizzas halfway in, always arriving at just the right time.

If this years Beer Blast is anything like years past, there will be a photo booth, lots of heavy snacks and social interaction. Sometimes the best part is simply stepping back and watching the night progress as everyones walk gets a little wobblier, and their laughs a little louder.

Beer Blasts main event will run from 7-10 p.m. this Friday, but those with $50 VIP tickets will have early access starting at 5:30 p.m. General admission is $25 and tickets may be purchased at http://www.winterfestbeerblast.simpletix.com.

Jay Powell is a reporter for The Daily Herald. Contact him at jpowell@c-dh.net or follow him on Twitter @JayPowellCDH.

See the original post here:
Winterfest 2020 blasts off for its ninth year Friday - Columbia Daily Herald