The 19th annual West End Fish and Brew is set for Oct. 10, sponsored by West End Business and Professional Association.

If you have not been a part of the annual Fish and Brew, either as a participant or a spectator, you are missing out on a chance to enjoy one of the many traditions handed down from generation to generation in the West End.

Every year, our local fish smokers and home brew folks get together for a celebration of their heritage and individual talents. In the past this event has taken place at the Huckleberry Lodge and the 110 Business Park Roundhouse but, this year the event is going uptown … literally, well, actually smack-dab in the center of town at the Rainforest Arts Center, 35 N. Forks Ave.

The sampling by the general public of the contestants wares will take place from 1-4 p.m. and musical entertainment will be provided by local bluegrass group Loose Gravel.

Entries for the smoked fish contest are judged from noon-1 p.m. Past entries have included smoked fish chowder, standard smoke fish recipes and one creative contestant served up smoked fish ice cream with corn chips. Before you turn up your nose, it was really good!

Entries also are judged on presentation and many contestants have clever names for their entries, one favorite is “Cause for Divorce” smoked fish.

Remember, this is a “can’t miss opportunity” so mark it on your calendar. Don’t miss this rare chance to share the very special local talents of your friends and neighbors.

This is a casual event for the entire family.

Those over 21 also will have a variety of local brews to sample and for non-alcoholic beverages their will be homemade root-beer.

If you think you have smoking or brewing talents or just want to share with friends and neighbors, this is the time to do it.

Entries or questions regarding smoke fish should contact Christi Baron at 374-3311. Entries or questions for home-brew and non-alcoholic beverages should contact Gordon Gibbs at 374-3346.

All fish smokers should be making plans now for the Oct. 10 contest. All fish entries should arrive by 11:30 a.m. for set up and display for the official judging that will begin at noon. All brewers should get brewing their favorite batch or two and arrive prior to 1 p.m.

The general public also will have the opportunity to cast their vote in the “Peoples Choice” contest.

Another addition to the festivities is original art work by Jack Datisman who has created faux beer labels set to the theme of each Hickory Shirt/Heritage Days celebration. In addition to this year’s label Datisman also will have labels from the past for sale.

Make this Heritage Days event part of your family experience. Come enjoy good music, good food and drink and good times with friends and neighbors, come re-discover your community.