Join this Port Coquitlam beer bash and help preserve the city’s history

Between the smokey skies and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, it can be hard to imagine such a stacking of calamities in Port Coquitlam's recent history.

But step into the city's only Museum and Archives and you'll find a rarely told history of one disaster after another as floods, fires, and yes, a global pandemic swept through the city while in its infancy. A veritable Antiques Roadshow of treasures fills the museum's rooms in rolling exhibits that have documented pivotal historical moments, like when CP moved its railhead from Vancouver to Port Coquitlam, hailing the city as the next Pittsburg. Others have showcased hometown hero Terry Fox, the city's natural history and the changing face of its physical infrastructure.

As the non-profit continues to document and collect Port Coquitlam's physical past, preserving it and making it available for future generations is under the same financial strain as many other non-profits and businesses across the Tri-Cities.

That's where beer and you come in. 

Port Coquitlam’s second annual Brew-HaHa beer bash is back to support the city’s historical archives and museum as it struggles under the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Described as going through “tough times,” PoCo Heritage is teaming up with a handful of local breweries and pubs in an effort to raise some needed cash for the Museum and Archives.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Port Coquitlam came out to sample the suds from local brewers — and cidery — at the inaugural Brew-HaHa, a fundraiser for PoCo Heritage, which needs a climate-controlled storage space to preserve the city’s historical collections. The fest held at Leigh Square on Sunday, featured beverages from Northpaw, Taylight, Patina, Tinhouse and West Coast Cider. Live music, face-painting and a chance to superimpose yourself in old pics of the city rounded out the family-friendly fundraising event.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ #portcoquitlam #coquitlam #portmoody @pocoheritage #brewer #brewery #craftbrewery #brewerylife #beertasting # @taylightbrewing @patinabrewing @northpawbrewco @westcoastciderco #brewhaha #craftbeer #craftbeerlover #craftbeerlove #craftbeersnob #cider #cidery #craftcider

A post shared by The Tri-City News (@tricitynews) on Sep 10, 2019 at 10:30am PDT

Last year, suds from several breweries and a cidery filled Leigh Square to the sound of live acoustic performances. This year, like the virtual Terry Fox run, anyone looking to participate in the Brew-HaHa will have to do so at a distance. 

Instead of joining in one place, drop into one of four local breweries and pubs, including Patina Brewing Co., Brew house & BBQ, Cat and Fiddle Pub, and Taylight Brewing Inc. 

During any visit between Sept. 21 and 27, you can use your phone to scan a QR code and get a chance at winning a prize. You don’t need to purchase anything to enter your name in the sweepstakes but you can only enter once per person per brewery. 

Each brewery will have a first and second prize, valued at $70 and $45, respectively, and will be announced Sept. 30 at about 1 p.m.

Those looking to directly support PoCo Heritage can do so by picking up Brew-Haha official swag — a pint glass or T-shirt — at participating breweries and pubs. Direct donations are also welcome and can be made here.