Summer Nights, Beer Garden, a Renovo Possibility
By Christopher Miller
The summer months bring excitement for all in western Clinton County. From hiking, to camping, to backpacking, and water sports – there is literally something for everyone in the great outdoors.
In the coming weeks another weekly event may be added to the summer line-up of fun in the Renovo area.
Summer Nights, as it is being dubbed, is a working title being presented by Visit Renovo, LLC. An interview with event organizer Aaron Kelley revealed that Summer Nights is an attempt, “to create a relaxing, enjoyable event space in Renovo featuring a safe and clean pop-up style beer garden where people can enjoy craft beers, food, live music, games, and special events.”
“It will be comparable to beer gardens that “pop up” in cities,” said Aaron, namely Philadelphia, where he has spent the last six and a half years attending school and working, “but there is just something special about Renovo and the PA Wilds that could help make this concept thrive here.”
Throughout the venue search, a few sites have been located in Renovo Borough, where a recent presentation was made to outline the ideas, goals, and aims of the project.
As Aaron explained, his team consists of two other organizers, and Nick, a gentleman from Lock Haven who owns and operates Broken Axe Brew House, who would be the primary alcohol caterer.
The intent is to operate Summer Nights on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in Renovo. “I am thinking along the lines of 4pm – 10pm, or 5pm to 11pm, possibly midnight, but of course that is all tentative at this point,” Aaron explained.
Currently in the late-planning stages is an alcohol caterer, a possible food vendor or food truck, but perhaps also the possibility of allowing local restaurants to come and act as food caterers. “We want to benefit the community in other ways beyond providing a fun place to visit,” said Aaron. “We want to create opportunities for other organizations to come and fundraise – we commit to creating these opportunities.”
The idea brewed from Aaron’s experiences with other pop-up style beer gardens in Philadelphia. “Beer gardens are found all throughout Philly. Last summer, one popped up in my neighborhood. I went there, loved it… actually went frequently,” Aaron laughed. “They are fun, open, clean, and enjoyable places to meet with friends. I want to recreate this same vibe in Renovo.”
Also in the works is to have the space become an event venue that could be rented out to organizations or non-profits to use the space at other times, for party hosts, or other outdoor event space.
As for the timeline of events, Aaron originally planned to open Summer Nights in June. “However, I am having a hard time finalizing some details on such short notice, like acquiring landscaping materials and scheduling local food vendors.
This project may begin in the upcoming summer months, but stay tuned – it may also be pushed back to fall 2021 or even summer 2022, depending on many factors. “Regardless of when this project launches,” Aaron said, “my team looks forward to providing the best and most enjoyable beer garden experience possible to Renovo residents and visitors.”
Additionally, Aaron discussed COVID-19 safety if the venue does open this summer: “Health and sanitation are the goals at this point. We want to keep our space clean and will be following all COVID-19 guidelines to a “T.” Aaron explained.
Please stay tuned to The Record/therecord-online for further developments on the Summer Nights beer garden project.
