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After being cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, Brews and Bears has come out of hibernation just in time for summer! On Friday, July 9, and Friday, August 13, from 5:30-8:00PM, the WNC Nature Center will host the Brews and Bears 2021 after-hours event, where guests can explore the Nature Center in the evening hours when it’s cooler and the animals are more active.
There will be food, drink, and music, and guests will get to watch an enrichment activity for the Nature Center’s resident black bears, Uno and Ursa. “Brews and Bears is the perfect happy hour fundraiser that lets guests explore the Nature Center after hours while supporting the wildlife they love,” said Kate Frost, Director of Development at Friends of the WNC Nature Center. “You can also take your pint with you and visit the newest additions to the WNC Nature Center – our red foxes, Bonita and Samson.”
Admission to Brews and Bears is $15 for Friends of the WNC Nature Center members and $20 for non-members. New this year, tickets can include a beer token to cover patrons’ first drink, and there is a VIP option that includes a signature Brews and Bears silipint cup and the opportunity to jump the line for drinks. The event is intended primarily for adults, although youth are welcome to attend with the purchase of a ticket. Children two and under are free. Proceeds from ticket and beverage sales go to the Friends of the WNC Nature Center and help support various programs throughout the park, including animal enrichment and habitat renovations. Learn more and purchase tickets at wildwnc.org/brews-and-bears.
Beer, cider and/or wine, and food will be available for purchase at each event. Music will also be provided:
July 9
Beer: Highland Brewing
Cider: Urban Orchard
Food Truck: Cecilia’s Kitchen
Others: Blunt Pretzels, Ice cream treats
Music provided by Mix 96.5
Bear Education provided by BearWise
August 13
Beer: Highland Brewing
Cider: Urban Orchard
Wine: Plēb Urban Winery
Food Truck: Gypsy Queen Cuisine
Others: Blunt Pretzels, Ice cream treats
Music provided by 105.9 The Mountain
Bear Education provided by BearWise
The American black bear, Ursus americanus, is the only bear species native to North Carolina. At the WNC Nature Center, Uno and Ursa continue to be ambassadors for the American black bears in this area. They were removed from the wild for unknown reasons and lack survival skills. Therefore, they cannot be released into the wild. They prefer to den separately in the summer but enjoy sharing a den for winter torpor. On hot summer days, Uno and Ursa splash in their habitat’s pool and enjoy enrichment such as frozen fish, fruit, and ice popsicles.
The Brews and Bears 2021 events are presented by Zealandia Holdings and White Oak Financial Management. Additional sponsors include Grimes Teich Anderson LLP, BrickStreet Equity Management, U.S. Cellular Premier Locations, HomeTrust Bank, and Park National Bank.
The Friends is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the animals, programs, and facilities of the WNC Nature Center. The Nature Center connects people of all ages with the plants and animals of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. For more information on the Friends of the WNC Nature Center, or to join the Friends and support future projects, visit www.wildwnc.org.
