thunderstorms, and it was crazy,” Pete remembers. “But people made the best out of it and they still were smiling and having a great time!” That kind of resilience - weathered with a sense of humour and community - isn’t just for festival days. It reflects how Krystle and Pete approach the business itself. Together, they’re pushing to expand into new markets beyond New Brunswick and improve inter-provincial distribution despite ongoing challenges with liquor board red tape and shipping logistics. In the meantime, Big Axe continues to diversify its offerings - supporting local cideries, distilleries, and meaderies, and exploring ways to make the most of every season. Whether it’s snowmobiling in, paddleboarding up to the dock, or catching a summer concert on the lawn, Big Axe always offers a place to gather. And for Krystle, that’s what it all comes down to. “It’s the kind of place you come for the beer - and stay for everything else.”
for years. One even started helping at their festival as a teenager before officially joining the team. “They’ve always said this is their happy place,” Pete says. “When you hear that, it just makes you feel like you’re doing something right.” Big Axe’s Craft Beer Festival is one of its most visible successes. First launched in 2017 with just a few hundred attendees, it now draws 1,500 guests and dozens of producers from across the Maritimes. Held annually near the world’s largest axe (yes, really), the festival has grown to include live music, food trucks, and even a line- dancing night. “People tell us it’s like a homecoming,” says Pete. “For some, it’s a reunion, for others it’s like a big backyard social gathering.” Accessibility is part of the festival’s charm. Big Axe offers designated driver tickets, shuttle buses from cities across the province, and lodging deals with local hotels. Even when rain or wind hits, the festival continues rain or shine. “Last year, we had some high winds and
People tell us it’s like a homecoming… For some, it’s a reunion, for others it’s like a big backyard social gathering.
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