With many parts of the country buried in snow, it’s a good time to start thinking about the joys of summertime, including another season of New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat. The 2015 tour will travel to ten cities this year offering the best way to raise money for local non-profits, celebrate two wheels, dress up as your alter ego and be entertained.
Getting ready for the 2014 Tour de Fat parade in downtown Minneapolis
It all kicks off on May 30 in Washington, D.C. and wraps up in Tempe, AZ on October 3. This year marks the 16th season for Tour de Fat – with close to $4 million being raised for local non-profits since it all began – and more than $600,000 this last year alone. The daylong festivities are free, but all proceeds from beer and merchandise sales, along with parade donations, go to local non-profits.
Bikers in costume having fun riding on the Nicolett Mall in downtown Minneapolis
Each stop kicks off with a costumed bicycle parade that meanders through city streets, ending in a city park for a day of entertainment. That’s when eclectic acts take over: from musical performances to yo-yo entertainers, vaudeville acts to a 1000 person Dance Contest to win a New Belgium Cruiser Bike. New features this year include a new Le Tigre Grande variety tent and Sputnik mobile stage.
Family fun entertainment and contest are offered after returning from the bike parade
The day of carnival creativity concludes with a celebration of inspirational car-for-bike swappers; brave souls who hand over their car keys as a commitment to commute by bike for the next year. “Our love for bikes runs deep at New Belgium, it’s how the company started. So every year we like to spread that love around the country by coming into towns from coast to coast and hosting the best way to spend a Saturday,” said Matt Kowal, Tour de Fat Impresario. “Each city has its own flair and uniqueness, which is what makes it all pretty awesome. And to be able to raise millions of dollars along the way, thanks to everyone who celebrates with us, it’s why we do this. We’re all anxious to get this party started once again!”
Tour de Fat will cycle through each of the following cities in 2015:
Washington, D.C. May 30 Yards Park
Durham, NC June 20 Diamond View Park
Chicago, IL July 11 Palmer Square
Twin Cities, MN July 25 Loring Park
Boise, ID
Fort Collins, CO September 5 Civic Center Park
Denver, CO September 12 City Park
San Francisco, CA September 19 Lindley Meadow – Golden Gate Park
San Diego, CA September 26 Golden Hill Park
Tempe, AZ
In costume, enjoying the food and beverages at the bicycle festival
In 2014, Tour de Fat traveled to 10 cities nationwide and attracted 103,500 festival attendees. The philanthropic events raised a total of $625,716 for local nonprofits. New Belgium’s hometown of Fort Collins, Colo. raised the most money (more than $110,000) and attracted the most parade riders and festivalgoers, totaling 25,000 people. During each tour stop, New Belgium tries to leave as little of an environmental imprint as possible. Tour de Fat hosts green vendors, has compost and recycle stations and festival trucks that operate on biofuel sourced from recycled waste oils. For the Tour de Fat credo, schedule, videos and to submit an entry to swap your car for a bike, check out www.facebook.com/TourDeFat. To learn more about New Belgium Brewing, visit www.newbelgium.com.
In costume and returning from the parade these two cyclists are ready to enjoying the Tour de Fat bicycle festival
About New Belgium Brewing Company New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, is recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work and one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Small Businesses. The 100% employee-owned brewery is a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Business as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, and one of World Blu’s most democratic U.S. businesses, and a Certified B Corp. In addition to Fat Tire, New Belgium brews ten year-round beers; Ranger IPA, Rampant Imperial IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Slow Ride Session IPA, Snapshot Wheat, Sunshine Wheat, 1554 Black Lager, Blue Paddle Pilsner, Abbey Belgian Ale and Trippel. Learn more at www.newbelgium.com.