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Bartenders for Veterans

A competition for bartenders ended up benefitting Door County veterans.

Marianne Backmann, bar manager of Alexander’s of Door County, came up with the idea of Bar Wars, a fun, friendly competition that invited local bars and the public to select Door County’s finest bartending team. Establishments chose their best two representatives to compete in a three-part competition consisting of skills, knowledge and agility tests. The event, held at Alexander’s, included an obstacle course, a written test on beer, wine and bar history, as well as a best two drinks submission to a team of judges. As a bonus, spectators came out to vote for their favorite team, awarding the competitors with extra points.

The Door County Veterans Service Council was chosen as the beneficiary of any money raised by Bar Wars.

“Door County, as a culture, is philanthropic and incredibly generous, always willing to lend a hand to its fellow citizens,” Backmann said. “We did our best to showcase our community’s fun-loving spirit, friendly atmosphere and giving nature during Door County’s first annual Bar Wars.”

During the welcome ceremony, the audience was educated about the services that the Door County Veterans Service Council provides to local veterans. Some staggering statistics were shared in order to spread the word about some of the struggles veterans are facing every day.

The winners of Door County’s 1st Annual Bar Wars were David Tourmo and Michael Ashley representing Alexander’s. As sited in the rules, they kept the traveling trophy and will go on to host Bar Wars next year.

“We expect even a greater turnout in 2018,” Backmann said. “Not only does this competition raise crucial awareness and funds for our veterans, but it is also a fun, friendly way of bringing southern Door County and northern Door County establishments together when at times they seem a world apart. After all, our local veterans, whether they hail from Sturgeon Bay or Gills Rock, fought together around the world for the same objective – to preserve liberty and justice for all.”

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