The Spring Lake Beer Garden
BY MATTHEW BREEN
The atmosphere on race day feels like a classic small-town celebration, straight out of a movie. Runners stroll in, locals show up to reconnect, and everyone’s outside enjoying the DJ, a slice from Spring Lake Pizzeria, and a cold beer for five bucks. SIMPLE AND SOLID SELECTION There’s nothing flashy about it, and that’s part of the charm. As one of the organizers put it, “It’s such a joy seeing everyone, especially the kids you used to see around town, now all grown up and coming back with their parents and friends.”
Beer-wise, there’s always something for everyone. Mark Farrell handles the selections and keeps it simple but solid. Expect a mix of one national beer (Land Shark and Michelob Ultra are staples), plus two rotating IPAs with at least one from a local brewery. There’s also an alcoholic seltzer option for non-beer drinkers and water. A VOLUNTEER EFFORT The event is run by the Spring Lake BID and an all-volunteer crew, including board members and local friends who get pulled in each year to help out. One local distributor provides the beer truck
If you’re running the Spring Lake 5, or just coming to watch, you might want to carve out time after the race to check out one of the best parts of the day: the Spring Lake Beer Garden. A BUDDING TRADITION The Beer Garden began in 2022, and it is quickly becoming a staple post-race event. With over 12,000 runners in town, the goal was to bring people downtown to shop, hang out, and grab a drink. Thanks to the efforts of Anita Kruse, Mark Farrell, and the Spring Lake Business Improvement District (BID), it worked, and then some.
shirt sales help fund downtown projects and community events. If you got the chance to see the wreaths and lamppost decorations this past Christmas, that was funded through the Beer Garden. WHAT TO EXPECT Located at the corner of Jersey and Third Avenue, the Beer Garden goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the Spring Lake sidewalk sale. Last call is at 3:30 p.m., but if you show up late, you will wish you came earlier. If it’s your first time coming, here’s what to expect: You’ll check in at the
entrance where volunteers will check IDs (21+ only), then you can buy your drink tickets and grab a t-shirt if you want one. After that, you’re in. It’s all about music, friends, and simple good vibes. One thing to keep in mind: With all the cell phones being used on race day, credit card machines can be unreliable, so you can’t go wrong by bringing cash. Whether you’re a runner, a local, or just passing by, the Spring Lake Beer Garden is worth a stop. It’s more than just a place to grab a drink, it has become a Spring Lake Tradition.
and supplies, and Spring Lake Pizzeria is usually on hand slinging slices.
SUPPORTING DOWNTOWN One of the coolest things to come out of the Beer Garden has been the t-shirts. Originally made for volunteers, the shirts became so popular that they started selling them in 2023 and have sold out both years since. A new mascot design is in the works for this year! In 2023, the event added sponsorships, with local businesses displaying banners along the Beer Garden fence. Proceeds from beer and
14 May 2025
Stroll Spring Lake 15
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