With one of the more exciting musical lineups in the festival’s history, Brats Brews Bands 2021 is bringing excitement to the PNW. Touring bands such as Mas Tequila, Elton/Joel, Dakota Poorman, Breana Renea, Trick Candles, Dead Lee and Tobias The Owl are headlining this amazing one-day festival. Also appearing are several local favorites: Nana’s Pants Suit, Slainte, The Lemmings, and Exit 88.
“We’ve had some amazing bands and artists take the stage at the BBB. One of the biggest hits locally has always been Nana’s Pant Suit. They’ve killed it every time they’ve hit the stage, and I fully expect them to do so in 2021, too,” said Eric Rowe, past Gateway Rotary president.
The BBB didn’t occur in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the entire rotary rolled up its collective sleeves to make the event 
bigger.
“The Brats, Brews & Bands Festival has expanded to now include Huntamer Park, a wine garden, and food trucks to an already fun event!” said Nathan Peters, Gateway Vice President & BBB Chair.
It features over fifty types of craft beers, ciders and Washington wines, and a lot of great food, including brats and tacos. It is the end of the summer party before we head into the fall.
“It is such a fun event that brings our community together on one day to enjoy food, beer, cider, wine, and music. It’s like a great big party!” said Gateway Immediate President Janine Ezzell.
“One of the best things about the BBB is watching people dancing to the bands,” said Amanda Vey, Gateway President.
“One of my favorite memories is watching some 
of our great community leaders and fellow Rotarians pouring beer or wine, playing drums, or cooking at the grill. Seeing Port Commissioners Downing and McGregor taking tickets, or County Manager Chavez and CIty of Lacey Manager Spence working trash containers to former Olympia mayor Doug Mah playing drums, former Undersheriff Braniff with EDC president and local attorney Heather Burgess on the grill, and Lacey’s police commander Jim Mack working with United Way’s Mike Leonard to hand out beer; that’s what community engagement is all about!” said Len Faucher, past Gateway President & BBB Chair.
Expect this event for adults ages 21+ to sell out. Tickets are $25 in advance with five drink tastes and $30 at the door. From 2017 to 2019, the BBB doubled in attendance annually from 800 to over 3,200 attendees. Buying tickets in advance guarantees you through the door, especially with COVID-19 crowd restrictions.
The funds from BBB go toward the rotary’s commitment to the Lacey Food Bank and has also fed into several other community opportunities, including buying lunch for COVID-19 hospital workers and working with a local elementary.
Founded in 2011, Gateway Rotary meets in an Irish Pub (O’Blarney’s) every Wednesday at 7 a.m. with a membership of 114 and growing. Gateway provide a high-energy experience to those who want to help their community, roll up their sleeves, and engage in a setting that welcomes a great group of active people in our area.
New Gateway member Sylvia Davenport said that she witnesses the kindness through happy moments when the club is together at meetings. “I’ve always encountered club members smiling, ready to bring a great energy to the room. It’s a group that I value being a part of.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: https://bratsbrewsandbands.com/
