Rotary Club’s new summer event brings flavor and community impact together
As the White Lake area gears up for summer fun, the Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club is serving up something new: the first-ever Bacon, Bloodys & Brews Festival, coming to North Grove Brewers on Saturday, June 14 from 6–9 p.m. But behind the sizzling bacon and bold Bloody Marys is a story of inspiration, community service, and the hope of building a lasting local tradition.
So where did this delicious idea come from? According to Amelia Isitan, Treasurer Elect of the Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club, it all started with a memory.
“Our club treasurer once lived in Idaho where there was a similar event,” Isitan said. “It was such a good time that she was inspired to bring it to our community.”
That inspiration quickly turned into action, with the club working to launch what they hope will become a long-standing addition to their lineup of signature events.
“Our goal is to lay a solid foundation for this annual event. Our Rotary club has some regular events that we put on every year, such as the pancake breakfast or Night on the Town. Establishing these events takes years of persistence and hard work. Our goal is to be able to say that this is just the beginning of a wonderful new tradition,” said Isitan.
An Event with Purpose
While the event promises great food, drinks, and entertainment, it’s also rooted in the Rotary’s larger mission of giving back. Ticket sale proceeds will go toward the club’s general fund, which supports numerous local and international initiatives.
That includes scholarships for Whitehall and Montague seniors, leadership conference opportunities for high school students, and youth foreign exchange programs. The club also contributes to programs like WLACE’s Sports n Shorts, hosts quarterly meals for The Gathering at Montague United Methodist Church, and supports global efforts like Hanwash, Rotary’s clean water project in Haiti.
“We want the community to know that their participation helps fuel our service projects,” Isitan explained. “This is more than an event — it’s a way to make a difference.”
Community Response
So far, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I have had an advertisement poster up at my local farmer’s market stand in Montague, and feedback has been only positive,” said Isitan. “What’s not to love about bacon, Bloody Marys and brews? Local businesses are also excited about the opportunity for exposure.”
What to Expect
Attendees can look forward to sampling creative Bloody Marys and bacon-themed bites from local competitors, all vying for the crowd’s vote in a people’s choice competition. North Grove Brewers will be serving up the brews — and hosting live music in their outdoor beer garden from local band Medicine Men.
Whether you’re there to vote or simply enjoy the evening, the Rotary hopes this will be the start of something special.
“It is our hope that this event gains enough traction to become an annual tradition,” Isitan added.
Event Info at a Glance:
Bacon, Bloodys & Brews Festival
- Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
- Time: 6–9 p.m.
- Location: North Grove Brewers, Montague
- Tickets: $25 in advance | $30 at the door
- Purchase at: Montague Shelby State Bank, White Lake Area Chamber, or online here
For more on the event, visit the White Lake Chamber event page or the Facebook event.
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