Darwin Brewery teams up to create ‘Local Evolution’

by theObserver September 15, 2016

September 15, 2016

PUBLISHED SEPT. 15, 2016

Darwin Brewery teams up to create ‘Local Evolution’

By ANDREA SHAY

Darwin Brewing in Bradenton has been hosting the monthly Local Evolution Craft Market since Nov. 2014. Working in conjunction with Geraldson Community Farms, Darwin Brewery hosts the event on the second Friday of each month. Vendors set up booths and food trucks on the grounds of the brewery and create a night-long community event where patrons can relax and shop while enjoying locally-prepared food and craft beer.

Darwin’s emphasizes the use and promotion of its local community and resources. They’ve partnered with other area businesses in order to reduce waste and help cultivate each others’ mutual success. The Local Evolution Craft Market runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and features live music in a child- and dog-friendly outdoor space.

Rexy Sharp, owner of The Babe Cave, talks with a customer about her oil-infused jewelry.

Rexy Sharp, owner of The Babe Cave, has been participating as a vendor for several seasons. She likes that the event provides a way to promote her business, and she also enjoys the local community atmosphere.

Another vendor, Aniko Gulyas, who owns Kurtos in Sarasota, enjoys serving the local community as well. “I like the crowds, lots of parents and children,” said Gulyas. “People are happy after a long week.” She also likes the vibe that the open-air market provides. “The people are good, the beer is good, the crowd is good; [people are] like ‘Let’s start the weekend!’”

The market offers something for everyone. Many vendors — like the Polpo Pizza Company and Ray’s Vegan Soul — provide a limited menu of their best and most popular dishes. Other vendors like Sharp sell jewelry, clothing or handmade crafts, and farmers sell products like local honey.