Things to Do

Valentine’s in Valentine: A Big Bend Brewing Co. and West Texas Tradition

By  | 
Tony Maples Photography

 

Alpine-based independent brewery Big Bend Brewing Co. is once again hosting their annual party, Valentine’s in Valentine on Wednesday, February 14. Welcoming friends and neighbors from across Texas, the company holds the event on the same day each year, celebrating a West Texas tradition. Aptly held in the small town of Valentine, Texas, the event features a limited release beer brewed exclusively for the party by Big Bend, together with fantastic live local music, and the chance to have a good time while benefitting a local initiative.

From 4-10 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, the Old Mercantile Building in Valentine, Texas will be the stage for this wonderful event with a theme this year of “Locals’ Night.” Tickets are now on sale, available at the link provided here, and each year, a portion of proceeds are donated to the town as well as the Valentine Independent School District. This year’s event will feature live musical performances by local bands Beebe & Carrasco, The Doodlin’ Hogwallops, and the Doug Moreland Band.

Valentine’s in Valentine: A Big Bend Brewing Co. and West Texas Tradition

Photo: Facebook/Big Bend Brewing Company

In a press release about the event, Mahala Guevara, vice president of operations at Big Bend Brewing Co. explained, “The Valentine’s Day party gives folks a glimpse of what makes West Texas so special.” Folks come from neighboring towns, from across the state, and even a handful from around the country to perhaps one of the most inconvenient parties imaginable. But they don’t come to West Texas because it’s easy—they come because it’s exquisitely beautiful, because it still retains the feeling of the frontier, and because it’s a magical place where you can experience a sense of timelessness. The party is a celebration of that West Texas spirit and a de facto community reunion. There’s nowhere on earth many of us would rather be on Valentine’s Day than in Valentine.”

Valentine’s in Valentine: A Big Bend Brewing Co. and West Texas Tradition

Photo: Facebook/Big Bend Brewing Company

This year’s limited release specialty beer, Old Love, which will be unveiled at the party, has a production run of just 214 bottles guarantees that it will only be available on Valentine’s Day in Valentine, and those in attendance will be treated to its unique taste at this one-of-a-kind event. In addition, Big Bend Brewing Co. will also be offering its core beers together with a selection of non-alcoholic drinks as well as food from local community vendors available for purchase. The traveling honky tonk trailer called the Hello Trouble Hall will also be making its West Texas debut at the party, and event guests will have the chance to send postcards to their loves with the special Valentine ‘love station’ postmark – a tradition dating back more than three decades. Complimentary shuttles will also be supplied by Big Bend Brewing Co. for neighboring towns on a first-come, first-served basis since there are no accommodations to be had in Valentine.

Valentine’s in Valentine: A Big Bend Brewing Co. and West Texas Tradition

Photo: Facebook/Big Bend Brewing Company

Known as “The Beer From Out Here,” Big Bend Brewing Co. was founded in Alpine in 2012. It places a strong emphasis on its West Texas origins and has built an impressive presence in the state. In addition to their annual Valentine’s in Valentine event, the brewery recently launched its International Tour of Texas, a pop-up tour of Texas towns with international names, featuring the traveling honky tonk Hello Trouble Hall. The town of Valentine, in West Texas, has a population of fewer than 200 people. It’s known for the Prada Marfa art installation on its outskirts as well as the famed Valentine “love station” postmark – a coveted hand stamp for which a myriad of cards pours into the town’s post office annually. For more information about Big Bend Brewing Co. and Valentine’s in Valentine, please visit bigbendbrewing.com or look them up on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram under @bigbendbrewing.