By RYAN NEWHOUSE
This Friday, New Belgium’s fundraising foray into short films, Clips of Faith, is returning to Caras Park in Missoula. This is the brewery’s third year producing the event and the third time it’s come to Missoula. Selected as one of only 18 cities nationwide to host the event, this is a must-not-miss show that benefits the Bike Walk Alliance for Missoula (BWAM), a non-profit, member-driven organization created to improve the safety, health and enjoyment of the Five Valley area by promoting and enhancing bicycling and walking for everyday transportation and recreation.
Missoula has been privy to some amazing “bike+beer” events in the past, including Tour de Fat and PEDALfest, but I admit this one is especially darned fun. A series of handmade films are shown at dark. The theme, this year, is to show “what inspires you” as a filmmaker. There is word that a Missoulian’s film was chosen this year (again), so even more reason to come out and play.
The event is free to attend, but drinks and food cost money. There is a chance to win one of the coveted New Belgium Cruiser bikes by purchasing raffle tickets at the event. Tickets are $5 each or three tickets for $10, and only 500 tickets will be sold. You must be present at the event to win.
To quench your thirst at Clips of Faith, New Belgium taps up to 16 unique brews, many of which don’t make it up to Missoula regularly. The posted list, which will continue to grow, is Cocoa Mole Ale, Biere de Mars,Tart Lychee, Somersault, La Folie, Fat Tire, Ranger, 1554, Trippel, Abbey, Blue Paddle, Belgo IPA, Shift. You can try them in 3 oz. samples or a 12 oz. pour. For eats, both Blue Bison Grill and Empanada Lady will serve up a warm meal.
Clips of Faith kicks off at 8:00 PM, and the films start at dark. Using alternative transportation to get to/from the event is highly recommended, especially carpooling with a designated driver. If you’re of the two-wheel type, Clips of Faith is the place to show off your steel steed. From to fixies to fix-er-uppers, it can be a real drool-fest for local cyclists.
I hope to see you down there this Friday! Cheers!
****************
Thirsty for more? Missoula’s beverage expert, Ryan Newhouse, has plenty on tap: The Best in Missoula for Libations, Family Friendly Fridays at the Top Hat, Meet Missoula’s Serious Scotch Gals, and Get Your Summer Drink Mixers at the Missoula Farmers’ Markets.
Looking for a local bar or pub? Check out our Missoula Restaurants and Dining and Missoula Nightlife sections.
Visit the Drink It Missoula archive.
****************
Ryan Newhouse has lived in Missoula since 2002 and has tipped his glass in most of the town’s establishments. He is (in no particular order) a full-time writer, husband, and parent, and a part-time zymurgist. He makes a mean hard cider and pairs his cocktails with dishes from his blog, Cooked Animals: Recipes for Wild Game.His latest concoction is Montana Beer Finder.