Spend a few hours drinking beer for Minutes

On May 9, local Halifax surfers will spend a few hours drinking beer for Minutes.

A fundraiser is being held that night at the Garrison Brewery to help raise money for a boardwalk that will soon be built at the new access point to the Minutes surf spot.

“I’d like to see a hundred people, that’s what I’m really banking on,” said event organizer Luke Acker, a local surfer and employee at Garrison. “I’m hoping the event will pay for the majority, if not all, of the boardwalk.”

In December, Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) approved a recommendation to purchase a piece of shorefront property near the popular surf spot. The land purchase will ensure public access to Minutes, which is located close to Cow Bay.

Nova Scotia’s Coastal Access Committee (CAC) has been the driving force behind efforts to retain access to the surf spot.

CAC is heading up efforts to build the boardwalk on the soon-to-be acquired property, which features an area of wetland between Cow Bay Road, where the property begins, and the shore.

To raise money, CAC has been selling individual engraved boards for the boardwalk. However, sales have been slow so far. When Acker heard sales were not going well, he decide to organize the Garrison fundraiser.

“I took opportunity to step up and get everyone together and have good time,” said Acker, who is not a member of CAC.

Although Acker is the only surfer who works at Garrison, employees are volunteering their time for the event. And the Brewery itself is opening its doors for a nominal fee.

The fundraiser will feature a surf movie, a brewery tour, and an auction of a longboard (donated by Kannon Beach surf shop), a winter wetsuit (donated by the If Only surf shop), and booties and gloves (donated by Ocean Rodeo).

Dacane Surf Shop will make a donation related to its surf camp, and The Trail Shop will also make a donation.

Local pro surfer Nico Manos is scheduled to host the event and will be auctioneer.

Tickets for the event are $15 in advance, $18 at the door. All proceeds go to the Minutes Boardwalk Fund.

The event will begin at 6:45 p.m. at the Garrison Brewery, 1149 Marginal Road (adjacent to Pier 21).

Tickets, which include door prizes, can be purchased at Kannon Beach, If Only, Dacane, The Trail Shop and the Garrison Brewery.

Note: Luke is looking for someone to provide a projector and screen for the movie. He can be reached by email.