Hometown Brewdown, the annual fundraiser for the Catonsville Cooperative Market's quest for a permanent home, returns to Catonsville Saturday.
Now in its third year, there will be more brewers and more food offerings, according to Carri Beer, president of the co-op's steering committee. Ten area home brewers will bring their small batch creations to the gathering.
Food from Catonsville-based Wieland's BBQ and Umami Global Bistro will be available and local band (We Are) Stone Mason will perform.
It's the biggest fundraiser of the year for the co-op and it serves as a way to spread the word about what the Catonsville Cooperative Market does, according to board member Larissa Johnson.
The group wants to open a brick-and-mortar market featuring local, healthy and organic food at affordable prices and be a community center for people to share information about healthy lifestyles.
Founding memberships are offered at $200, which can be paid in full, quarterly or thoguh a sweat equity payment, in which one pays $25 and volunteers 15 hours to the group.
Last year, 110 people attended the event. Organizers hope to have the same attendance this year at the rain-or-shine event, taking place at 1101 Frederick Road.
"It reminds people of what the base of the cooperative is," she said. "To keep everything local and to support each other."
The co-op started in 2011 and has 185 volunteer members, Beer said.
The member-owned company is doing a feasibility study to see how much money needs to be raised to make a storefront a reality, she said, adding the goal is to have 400 to 500 members before opening.
In the meantime, it sets up shop at Immanuel United Church of Christ every other Tuesday for product distribution.
Tickets cost $20 for general admission and $5 for designated drivers and can be purchased in advance at brownpapertickets.com/event/2565167. Tickets can be purchased at the event with cash, only. The first 75 who buy tickets will receive a free tasting glass. For more information, visit facebook.com/events/1051287768272708. More information on the Catonsville Cooperative Market can be found at catonsvillecoop.com.