Pub Crawl & Scavenger Hunt Part of Downtown Valpo’s Winter Festivities

Citizen-Square-MonthWho says February is boring? Downtown Valpo will celebrate Citizenship throughout the month of February with events, festivities, prizes, fellowship….and good taste. A scavenger hunt with a $2500.00 diamond studded earring set, a best cocktail contest, a craft beer pub crawl and sweepstakes for a HDTV…all part of this February’s Citizen Square month in downtown Valparaiso. The month will culminate with the 2013 Citizen Square Award Dinner.

“We created the Citizen Square Award several years ago in an effort to encourage, motivate and promote good citizenship,” said organizer Jim Jano. “Last year’s event was such a hit; we wanted it to grow into a month long celebration.”

The month kicks off on Friday, February 1st with the Citizen Square Cocktail Contest. “We celebrate with taste,” joked Keith Gurley of bon Femme. “Each restaurant has concocted a drink for this competition. The winning cocktail will be crowned the Citizen Square signature cocktail for 2013. The winning restaurant will win a trophy and serious bragging rights.” Voters must try all eight concoctions by the end of the month.

The downtown scavenger hunt starts Saturday, February 2nd and runs all month. Citizens will hunt for the hidden Griegers Motors artifact at each of the eight Downtown Dining establishments. A $2500.00 diamond studded set of earrings from Engstrom Jewelers will be awarded to the first contestant to find the Griegers Motors artifacts at all eight restaurants. Subsequent contestants to find all eight artifacts will win a $50.00 gift certificate to Engstrom Jewelers. Each restaurant will instantly reward contestants with a $10 Gift Certificate when someone finds the artifact.

Craft beer lovers! One of the most highly anticipated afternoons of the month will be the Citizen Square Pub Crawl from 1-5 PM on Saturday, February 23rd. Each restaurant will select and serve a wonderful beer to enjoy. $40 admission includes eight amazing brews and good fellowship. A commemorative Citizen Square Pub Crawl T-shirt will go to the first 75 participants to pay. Craft Beer aficionados will have an opportunity to sample several new craft beers. The event begins at Pikk’s, than moves to Paparazzi, Silver Spoon, Margarita’s, don Quijote, Valley, Bistro 157 and Bon Femme. Pre-payment at the restaurants is recommended.

A sweepstake for a large HDTV will also be part of the fun. Free entry forms are available at all eight restaurants, Griegers and Engstrom Jewelers.

“Working together as a community to create the festive month exemplifies what the award was meant to honor,” said Carlos Rivero. “The restaurants will host the events, while Dave Rodgers (Griegers) and Greg Engstrom (Engstrom Jewelers) are the underwriters to cover the expenses. Community is what makes downtown Valpo special”