It’s going to be a beer birthday like no other in Bellaire April 30! In celebration of their twelfth year, Short’s Brewing Company is taking over the streets of Bellaire, transforming downtown into a birthday block of awesomeness. Now what exactly does awesomeness entail? Short’s Festival & Events Coordinator Kendal Fifield fills us in on the 411 about Short’s Anni Party XII event.


short's anni party

We keep hearing that the Short’s Anni Party XII is hosted on a “Block of Awesomeness!” So basically, you’re turning downtown Bellaire into a big party starting at 4 p.m.?

“Absolutely! We will be shutting down the street in front of our Pub and transforming downtown into an a beer lover’s wonderland. We will be bringing 3000+ Short’s family, friends, and fanatics into the streets, where we will sing, dance, and drink the night away – we cannot wait!”

Can people carry drinks outside in the streets, making the event have a festival feel?

“Yes! Most of the festivities are outside, in the streets of the Bellaire. You will be able to roam the grounds to explore live music, hot new merchandise, fare from our local food vendors – all with your beer or cider in hand.

“New this year, we will have mobile can vendors, so you don’t have to pull yourself away from the amazing show to grab a beer – we’ll come to you!”

And of course, there will be music, right?

“Of course! This year we have The Crane Wives opening up the party, followed by Joe Short’s famous State of the Brewery address. Then Pub favorite, The Go Rounds will take the stage. Closing the show this year, we have the ever funky, Vulfpeck. Not only is Vulfpeck our headlining band, we will also be releasing a collaboration brew with this amazing group, at the party. This beer called “Compression” is an American Sour Ale inspired by the Vulf Compressor, a mixing tool used by the band to give their music its signature sound. Compression will be released at Anni Party this year in 500mL bottles, in very limited quantities.”

short's anni party

Vulfpeck photo by Michael Murphy IV.

And food … Please tell us about the food!

“We will be serving a limited menu inside the Pub at the Anni Party as well as welcoming a tasty group of food vendors. You will be able to grab some grub from Cordwood BBQ, Man and Pan Paella, or grab a soft pretzel on the go from Terri’s Pretzel Cart. Last but certainly not least, we have our very own glorified hot dog stand, Woj’s Weiners, slinging everything from Chicago Style Dogs to Veggie Dogs.”

Every anniversary you have special beer releases. What can we expect this year?

“Again this year we have an amazing line up of 27 of our favorite beer and cider being poured from multiple bars both inside and out, but we have even more to offer our event attendees.

“Our commemorative Anni Ale will be in bombers for the first time ever! As mentioned previously, we will also have our very special release in 500mL, Compression, a collaboration with Vulfpeck.”

short's anni partyWe’ve also heard that 50% of profits are going to the Village of Bellaire DDA!

“This is our favorite part! The Anniversary Party is a fundraiser where once again, 50% of all profits will be donated to the DDA of Bellaire. Keeping Bellaire beautiful and making improvements to the Village is something we are very passionate about, and we are honored to be able to support our community in this way, after all the support they have given us.”

With so much happening, no wonder you’re tagging everything with the word “Awesome!”

“We thought ‘Awesome’ was the best word to encompass all of the aspects of the party this year! We will see you there – it is sure to be an ‘Awesome’ time!”

Last but not least, you’re encouraging people to post about the party with #SBCAnniParty12, correct?

“Yes, we want to see the party from our attendees’ perspective. Tag your social posts with #SBCAnniParty12 and share your experience with the world! #stayawesomehungry”

Short's Anni

Short’s Brewing Company now distributes their Northern Michigan beer and Starcut Ciders outside of Michigan. Learn more about their out-of-state distribution on MyNorth.com.


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Photo(s) by Michael Murphy IV