A Penticton brewery is holding a memorial for a beloved goose that brought joy to patrons and staff.
Slackwater Brewing will celebrate the life of Kevin the Goose, who died last week, by enjoying a “gaggle of beers and cheers.”
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The celebration of life will take place on April 7, 2024 from 3 pm to 5 pm, with part of the proceeds from beer and Kevin merchandise going to the Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society.
The society is the only licensed organization of its kind in the Okanagan and is entirely funded by private donations and community grants. They advocate for peaceful co-existence between wildlife and humans, which Slackwater says is a cause “well-embodied by Kevin and his adoring Penticton flock.”
"We’ve hosted many fundraisers at our brewery. This one, believe it or not, is personal as my toddler daughters and husband had formed a bond with Kevin over the years,” says Slackwater co-founder Kelsey Peyton.
“We met Kevin often on our beach walks, and his impact on the community has truly resonated. I’m sure there will be some tall tales, and feathers, as we raise a glass to Kevin the Goose on Sunday.”
Locals have been sharing their tributes to Kevin on social media, saying morning walks will not be the same without him.
Not only will drinks be shared in Kevin’s memory, but artist Kindrie Grove will be doing a live art painting on-site to capture Kevin’s spirit. Grove will be painting from a photograph of the goose taken by local photographer, Steve Heer.
The finished painting will be going on display at the Aurora Matheson Fine Art Gallery, located across from Slackwater Brewing.
“The wild spaces and creatures we share this planet with face ever-increasing pressure from habitat loss and other threats. Contributing to the fundraiser for the Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society is a small way that my work can help, and I am happy to participate in the creation of a painting of Kevin, the Canada Goose.” Kindrie Grove, artist.
Other local businesses and community members will also be participating in the event, including Graphically Hip, Enchanted Florists, Tristan Telle, Mikey Lamont, Steve Heer, The Dragon’s Den and Joey Krom.
