Bobby & Jody Grimes 

Cindy & Jamie Wilkinson 

Cheryl Freer & Paige Freer 

Kara Kienitz & Chris Gifford

I

f you consider yourself a craft beer and spirits 
connoisseur, you would have found yourself in craft beer 
and spirits Heaven at the SoWal Craft & Spirits Festival. 
On August 3, many guests had the fun pleasure of 

attending the festival, which took place at Shades Bar & Grill. 
This outdoor, tented event, consisting of more than 60 craft 
beers, ciders, distilled craft spirits, and rosé wines attracted an 
awesome crowd consisting of locals and visitors. As patrons 
ventured around, sampling out of their ever-so-cute mini beer 
cup, beer and spirit experts were there to share their knowledge. 
There were food samplings provided by Shades Bar and Grill 
and their sister restaurants, Pescado and Southside Slice. 
Between all the samplings, cornhole tournaments, bouncy 
houses, and music playing throughout the whole event, not 
a face in the crowd, young or old, was having a bad time. 
They even provided free transportation, thanks to one of their 
sponsors, Gulf Coast Go! The best part of this entire event … 
proceeds were donated to help benefi t Children’s Volunteer 
Health Network, Inc. (CVHN), a local non-profi t charity.

photos & story by

Jen Deeb

Curtis Spagnola & Ty Smith

   VIP Destin at Shades Bar & Grill

Jodi Lee & Kelli Moore 

18     |    VIPDestinMagazine.com

18-19 Event SoWal Craft Beer & Spirits Festival.indd   1

8/29/18   10:45 AM