For local VIPs, it’s Hemming time!

Posted on September 3, 2015 By Editor Articles

Sarah Henderson, Wayne Wood, DVI Marketing Director Kat Hardwick

Sarah Henderson, Wayne Wood, Kat Hardwick

Bernard Mazie

Friends of Hemming Park’s Executive Director with Vince Cavin, Downtown Vision Board Chairman and Market President of BB&T Bank Debbie Buckland with Sean Hall

Patty Jimenez of Visit Jacksonville with Matt Pittman

Matthew David, Kayla Hughes, Charlie Cauthmen and Danilo Quilaton

District 14 Councilman Jim Love, District 10 Councilman Reggie Brown, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville General Manager Gina Caliendo with his wife Kyla

Kate Jolley, Kedgar Volta, Aerien and Patrick Mull, Courtnee James and Bianca Borghi

Nearly 80 local dignitaries, including City Council representatives and downtown business leaders, tasted local and craft brews during the Aug. 27 VIP Launch of the Hemming Park Beer Garden.

For those who were fortunate enough to receive a special invitation, the evening was filled with live music, small bites, select wines, as well as specialty cocktails and, of course, a variety of special beers.

The event was a precursor to the opening of the park’s upcoming public Hemming Park Beer Garden Thursday, Sept. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. During the first garden event, Spice and the Po Boys will provide entertainment as participants enjoy beer, wine, and specialty cocktails served by bartenders from local establishments around the city.

“We’re thinking of it as more of a place and not an event,” said Sarah Collins, a marketing representative for Hemming Park. “It’s kind of like we’re opening a bar. We’re hoping people will stay in town Thursday nights for happy hour and then go out to the restaurants around here.”