15 Years of WAB
(Emily Husband, Ferndale 115 News, May 15th 2012 ed)
Thursday, May 24th, 2012, marks the 15th year that Woodward Avenue Brewers (WAB) (22646 Woodward) has been open for business in Downtown Ferndale, MI.
AND we are planning a huge party for that day–the WABiversary! Greg Burke, the WAB’s Master Brewer, will be unveiling two beers that day. Greg’s newest creation–the WABST Green Ribbon, a light, session Bohemian Pilsner–will be on draft for the first time ever. He will also be launching one of his most popular seasonals, the Green Bullet IPA, an Organic West Coast IPA. This will also mark the first time in years that the brewery will feature all ten draft handles pouring WAB beers, as we usually feature two rotating craft beers from other breweries to lighten Greg’s load of production.
We will officially launch the two beers with a “Pint Hoist” at 8pm on the 24th, however, the party does not start there!
All WAB beers all day lo
ng on the 24th will be $1: 11am-2am. As this will truly be a weekend long celebration, all WAB beers will be $2 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
To kick off the evening’s event, the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce will conduct a cake cutting ceremony upstairs at the bar at 4pm. At that time we will open a free taco bar for customers to munch on while enjoying their $1 WAB beers. This happy hour snack will be open from 4-7pm.
We will also be featuring an art show of employee’s work throughout the building, as we truly have a wonderful and talented staff–many who have been with the company for several years. It is a true testament to the company that the majority of staff members have worked for the WAB continuously for 6, 10 and even 15 years (not just the owners, either!!!)
Following the Pint Hoist at 8pm, the DJ will begin spinning tunes to entertain the crowd. Two staff members will be DJ-ing until close. 
10pm-midnight, we plan to open a free coney dog bar, so customers can make a light snack with all of their favorite hot dog-fixings.
Finally, we will be putting together two awesome gift packages to raffle off at 9pm and 11pm. The raffle will be free in which to participate–customers will simply show the door guy an image from our facebook page–either printed out or on their smart phone–and we will give them a ticket to enter the drawing. We will also be handing out small gifts and prizes to people throughout the night!
As always, there is no cover to attend this party. This party is the WAB’s way of saying thank you to all of our loyal customers and friends, the community and surrounding communities, for 15 years of fun, hard work, and good business!
A staple since 1997, the WAB puts the Ale in Ferndale! When craft breweries were just starting to gain popularity around the country, WAB was one of the first in the Metro Detroit Area, and has been a key player in bringing more people to dine, shop, and buy homes in Ferndale during the last 15 years, helping to make Ferndale what it is today: a vibrant, bustling community with more local businesses, restaurants, and shops than one would have imagined back in 1997.
A family owned and operated business, the brewery was built and is still run by a team of 4: husband and wife, brother, and best friend from high school. Each brought a separate skill to the table to create what is today a thriving business with over 80 employees.
Find out more at www.thewabsite.com.
