Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Will Host Local Events Townie Takeover Bar Crawl and Iron Bartender
If you are looking for a way to get out and about this weekend with friends, the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC) will be kicking off its 2021 fall and winter events with the first-ever Townie Takeover bar crawl.
Townie Takeover will take participants on a tour of some of Oxford’s favorite college bars, including Harrison’s, Rooster’s, The Roundtable, and Tangos.
“We have a Townie Scavenger hunt for attendees that ends with a BBQ dinner and live music from The Loungers,” said committee chair Caroline Hourin.
The night will kick off and end at Harrison’s, beginnig at 4 pm Saturday, July 31. The cost of the event is $30 for YAC members, and $35 for non-members.
“We wanted to bring everyone back together with a new event before the students come back,” said Wayne Andrews, YAC Executive Director. “Townie Takeover is a fun way to have some drinks on the Square at bars you may never think of going to throughout the year.”
On Friday, August 13, YAC will host its popular Iron Bartender event at The Powerhouse Community Arts Center from 7–9 pm. This drink-making contest pits local bartenders against each other to craft the best cocktail from a box of basic mixers and secret mystery spirits.
Attendees are then given the opportunity to taste test each concoction and vote for the Best Cocktail and the Crowd Favorite.
“It’s a bartender version of Iron Chef with a twist,” said Andrews. “It’s also a great time to come learn about cocktails, connect with talented local bartenders, and explore the restaurant scene that is a key part of the Oxford experience.”
If you’re a bartender in the area, you can still sign up to participate in the event. Visit YAC’s website for more information.
“Iron Bartender is one of my favorite Oxford events and I’m so glad it’s back this year after the pandemic,” said Hourin. “We have some great bartenders already signed up for this year.”
This year’s competitors include Taariq David with Hospitality Bruhs, Marissa Wyant of Saint Leo, Jesse Thomas of Harvey’s in Tupelo, Aaron Hamilton of McEwen’s, Lydia Lagarde of Ravine, Michael Conley of The Coop, and Joseph Stinchcomb.
If you are interested in purchasing tickets or learning more about these events, visit OxfordArts.com. Proceeds from each event will benefit YAC.
