CANANDAIGUA – Rochester has its iconic Genesee Brewery barrel tree lighting, a 10-year-old holiday tradition that draws thousands and is expected to take place again Friday evening at the Rochester brewery.
But for the past two years, local breweries in Canandaigua have been encouraging craft beer fans to get into the holiday spirit and “Get Lit Canandaigua.”
Participating breweries will hold their own staggered barrel tree lighting ceremonies in a fun way, designed so customers can attend them all or hang out at their favorite.
This year’s event kicks off at Peacemaker Brewing Co on Saturday, December 7 at 5 p.m.
In this 2022 file photo, David and Meagan carry D’Allesandro and the barrel tree of their Frequentem Brewing Co. are doing their part to make Main Street, Canandaigua, a festive place for the holidays. Expect more of the same on December 7.
The event has been successful the past two years and attracted many people to Canandaigua, said David D’Allesandro, co-owner and founder of Frequentem Brewing Co., who helped organize this year’s event.
“People seem to be having a good time and it’s bringing people to Canandaigua on a relatively cold and possibly slower weekend,” D’Allesandro said.
And that’s all good news for the local beer community, D’Allesandro added.
“I’ve always believed it’s a community among breweries,” he said. “The more we can do to help each other, the more the whole pie grows. As the pie grows, everyone gets a bigger piece.”
Canandaigua Get Lit Scheme
In addition to the barrel tree lighting at 5 p.m., the Sand Shapes will perform Dec. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Peacemaker Brewing Co., 39 Coach St., Canandaigua.
Next up is Frequentem Brewing, 254 S. Main St., Canandaigua. The lighting is set at 6:30 PM. The food truck Cousin’s Maine Lobster will be on hand, and a holiday edition of Frequentem’s More than Just Fruit, a heavy fruit pickle with cinnamon and almond, will be released for the occasion.
Other Half Brewing is new to the fold, having purchased the former Young Lion location at 24 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua. The lighting is scheduled for 8 p.m
Twisted Rail Brewing Co. is last but not least, with the lighting at 9:30 PM. Twisted Rail is located at 169 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua. Live music is also planned.
Parking in the city of Canandaigua
The barrel tree lighting is a fun new tradition and a successful event, said Canandaigua City Manager John Goodwin.
Municipal parking is available throughout downtown, near Frequentem and Peacemaker, and several lakefront lots are close enough to the Other Half and Twisted Rail. Free long and short term parking is available.
Goodwin encourages people to plan ahead.
“The most important thing is that people find a safe way there and a safe way home if they’re going to drink,” Goodwin said.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other Ontario County communities and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Keg tree lighting at Peacemaker, Frequentem, Other Half, Twisted Rail
