It might just be the best whisky festival at the lowest price in B.C.
Crimson Coast Dance Society is about to host its 13th annual Wee Tipple Party, Nanaimo’s whisky festival, featuring 140 different kinds of whisky, plus beer, wine and other spirits.
“You get to sample a wide selection of single malts, scotches and blends, craft beer and wine, so there’s a little something for everybody,” said Holly Bright, Crimson Coast’s artistic director. “This year everyone gets to take their glass home and start their collection.”
This year’s party is once again hosted at the Grand Hotel where chef Ian Terveer is preparing delicious dishes for the evening and the hotel now also offers a selection of cigars.
Live music will be by Terrazetto, performing its blend of jazzy Latin, gypsy and tango.
Wee Tipple is a major annual fundraiser for Crimson Coast Dance Society. A silent auction features items ranging from massage sessions to art, plus there will be prizes, raffles and games throughout the night.
The more money raised, the better, because the tally at the end of the evening helps the society leverage money from government and corporate sponsors that match funds the society raises with grants and donations.
“The things that we produce are a main stage series, a festival and a youth program that gives teenagers an opportunity to perform career options in the performing arts and walk away with a résume, basically,” Bright said. “We’re basically an arts institution. We helped weave the fabric of the professional arts industry here in Nanaimo, between the Port Theatre, the (Vancouver Island) symphony, Theatre One and us, we are the the professional arts groups in town.”
The 13th annual Wee Tipple Party happens Friday (March 4) 7-10 p.m.
Tickets are $95 and available in advance only at the Grand Hotel by calling 250-758-3000, or from Crimson Coast at 250-716-3230 or visiting www.crimsoncoast.org.
Guests are asked to arrange transportation home.
“In a pinch, they can look to Crimson Coast Dance Society to help them,” Bright said.
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