Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The Town of Cobourg is partnering with Local Food For Local Good for four Courtyard Summer Series weekends that will make good use of a prime beachfront space that has not seen much programming in recent years.
The fenced-off courtyard area behind the bandshell, near the Beach Hutt Canteen, will be transformed into a licensed cantina where people can enjoy local brews, cocktails and food prepared by the operators of Freakin’ Reakin’s and Cobourg Beach Food.
Director of recreation and culture Dean Hustwick told council at Monday’s meeting that there will be live music as well.
Each session has a theme – Craft Brewery Nights July 13 to 15, Jazz Nights July 28 to 30, Distillery Nights Aug. 3 to 5 (coinciding with Cobourg’s Sandcastle Festival), and Wine Nights Aug. 24 to 26. Hours will be 3 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
The report from community-events co-ordinator Jackie Chapman Davis broke down the roles of those involved.
Lutana Inc., which operates the Beach Hutt Canteen, is responsible for food costs and sales.
Local Food For Local Good is responsible for beverage sales and donations, and beverage sales will cover all event costs (excluding food costs).
The town will receive a profit share as set out in its contract with Lutana. As well, the town and Local Food For Local Good will split net proceeds 50-50. The town’s share will support the maintenance and improvement of the waterfront, and Local Food’s share will support food-literacy workshops, community gardens and meal programs.
Hustwick said the event is in line with the waterfront-study recommendation of enhancing food and beverage service along the waterfront.
“We will evaluate its success and look for opportunities to improve it for next year,” he said, adding that they will also evaluate the Beach Hutt canteen at that time, as it is in its second year of a two-year contract.
“I think it’s a really good use of this space, and appreciate the creative and entrepreneurial group Local Food For Local Good,” Councillor Deb McCarthy stated.
Author: Pete Fisher
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