The Elk Valley Pride Festival is kicking off on September 20^th and with it we’re stoked to announce two collaborations with the Fernie Pride Society (FPS) – Crafted with Pride merch and an FBC x FPS Pride Brew.

FBC put out a call to the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the Elk Valley for original designs and Julianna Weldon answered the call! Local to Sparwood, Julianna is an artist who moved to the Elk Valley in 2020 and has been enjoying Fernie craft beer ever since. On her days off you can find her gallivanting around the mountains or curled up at home with a book and her cat, Big Ed.

Together with Julianna, FBC and FPS released a limited-edition Crafted with Pride t-shirts and totes. The sweet merch is available online and in-store while stock lasts, with all the profits from sales of the tees and totes being donated to the Fernie Pride Society.

Spearheaded by Helen Hopkins, FBC’s Human Resources Manager, this collaboration is a fantastic and uplifting way to raise money for a great cause. “Fernie Pride runs many important programs and initiatives that benefit the Fernie community including resources for individuals, families, and businesses. We are proud to collaborate with the Fernie Pride Society and feature a wonderful local artist, Julianna. We hope everyone here in Fernie and the surrounding area celebrate our amazing 2SLBGTQ+ community during the Elk Valley Pride Festival and all year round,” said Hopkins.

Then, to help celebrate the Elk Valley Pride Festival in style, on Friday, September 22 at 4:30 p.m., head down to the Brewery for a pint of the FBC x FPS Pride brew, a Hibiscus Rose Ale. With an ABV of 5.4% and IBU of 35, expect a light cream ale with a silky body, a tart, cranberry-like flavour and a light floral aroma. This Hibiscus Rose Ale was brewed with pride by FBC Brewer Kevin Symington and FPS Board members Kevin Allen, Teresa Caufield, Chrisy Hill, Anne Keery and Kate McDermott.

“We are so honoured to collaborate with Fernie Brewing Company on this special brew, totes and t-shirts. This FBC and FPS small-batch brew will be smooth, flowery and perfect for sharing with pals. I can’t wait to try it the week of the Elk Valley Pride Festival and brag about how I got to help make it with the amazing FBC brewers. Come join us at the Brewery on September 22 at 4:30 pm to celebrate pride and this one-of-a-kind beer,” said Kate McDermott, a member of the Fernie Pride Society Board of Directors who took part in the brewing process.

The FBC x FPS Pride brew will be exclusively available on tap in the FBC Tasting Room starting on September 22 for a limited time.

You can learn more about the Fernie Pride Society and the upcoming Elk Valley Pride Festival via the Fernie Pride Society website.