Author: Jenny

Bike Raffle to Benefit Fire Department

Get your tickets today!

The Independence BrewBQ committee and Independence Fire Department are selling raffle tickets to win a 2017 New Belgium Cruiser bicycle. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Independence Fire Department as the official charity partner of this year’s BrewBQ event.

Ticket Price

Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Contact BrewBQ via email or through our Facebook page to set up a time to purchase some or see where the bike will be and where you can purchase them that week.

Drawing

The raffle drawing will be held at Riverwalk Parks during the BrewBQ event on Saturday, August 25. You do not need to be present to win. Winner will need to pick up the bike in Independence.

Bike Specifications

Year: 2017, limited edition
Speeds: 3
Manufacturer: Detroit Bikes

Bike owner’s manual

BrewBQ Selects Independence Fire Department as 2018 Charity Partner

The Independence BrewBQ is pleased to announce the Independence Fire Department as our official 2018 charity partner. Proceeds from this year’s event will help the department reach their goal of upgrading a grass fire suppression rig.

“Our current rig is overweight and underpowered for the tasks we are trying to perform”, said Blake Hayward, City of Independence Fire Department. “We are looking to purchase an apparatus that will carry at least four firefighters safely and be equipped with a remote control nozzle on the front which can be controlled safely from the inside of the cab. This apparatus will be used not only in our fire district but also when needed by surrounding communities that need mutual aid.”

The Independence Fire Department’s staff of 26 serve the residents of Independence as well as Sumner and Washington Townships. Six of the firefighters are also EMTs. “We are really looking forward to our partnership with the Fire Department. They are a great group of individuals who care a great deal about our community,” said Pete Gaumer, Independence BrewBQ committee member.

Independence Fire Department Crew Front row sitting (left to right John Butler, Richard Newton, Daryl Johnson Jr, Doug Cook, Rick Wulfekuhle, Blake Hayward, Judd Taylor) Back row standing ( left to right Gordy Fenner, David Dunlap, Jordon Wulfekuhle, Adam Kuhse, Jacob Wolf, Lane Zahourek, Jen Simmons, Matt Mayner, Tim Erickson, Ben Reiff, Jesse Manning, Rob Ratchford) Missing from the photo is: Roger Kremer, Jason Decker, Mike Loveless, Tristian Dilley, Andrew Hermsen.

The Independence BrewBQ is a one day outdoor festival featuring BBQ vendors, live music, a Craft Brew Zone, a bike ride and is a fundraiser for charity at the same time. Since 2006, Independence BrewBQ has raised over $20,000 for community betterment in Independence and the surrounding areas. Help us in our donation effort to assist the Independence Fire Department by attending this year’s Independence BrewBQ on Saturday, August 25. For more information and to purchase Craft Brew Zone passes, click here.

Get ready for some delicious BBQ at the 2018 BrewBQ

The 13th annual Independence BrewBQ promises to delight your taste buds with award-winning barbecue and other delights offered by the following vendors.
Vendors open at noon on Saturday, August 25 and will be serving throughout the afternoon/evening. Make sure to stick around for live music starting at 3:00 with the BBQ winners being announced around 6 p.m. The Craft Brew Zone will be open for V.I.P. Pass holders starting at 3 p.m. and open for all pass holders from 4 to 7 p.m.

Jon Holland Impact Indee Fund Receives BrewBQ Donation

The Independence BrewBQ has made our largest charity partner donation to date. The Jon Holland Impact Indee Fund received a $7,000 donation thanks to the support of our donor partners and the success of the 2017 Independence BrewBQ event. We would like to thank our volunteers for their hard work  and to those who joined us for what was a very memorable and fun day.

A portion of the donation came from the auction of a Fat Tire bicycle and a generous anonymous donor. “We were all honored to have known Jon Holland and work with him. He truly was a professional volunteer who cared deeply about our community,” said BrewBQ committee member Pete Gaumer. “The Fat Tire bicycle auction and an anonymous donor made it possible for us to gift our largest ever charity partner donation.” This donation will help to ensure that the Jon Holland Impact Indee Fund is a success long-term and pay homage to Jon’s legacy.

BrewBQ bicycle

Bill Versluis (owner of Bill’s Pizza & Smokehouse) and Independence BrewBQ committee members (John Hougen, Jenny Yoder, Sara Sheeley, Terry Gaumer and Pete Gaumer. Not pictured Tim Westemeyer and Kathy Hulse.) pose with a Fat Tire bicycle which will be on display at the restaurant in Independence. Photo courtesy of Independence Bulletin Journal

The bicycle has found a permanent home at one of Jon’s favorite watering holes. Check it out at Bill’s Pizza & Smokehouse in Independence.

Donations for the Jon Holland Impact Indee Fund can be made with the Northeast Iowa Community Foundation. Click here for more information about the fund and how to make a donation.