For more than a decade, Benicia Main Street has hosted a special St. Patrick’s Day Beer Crawl. This year, the tradition continues on March 8.

Benicia Main Street, a downtown revitalization project, hosts regular Wine Walks and other events throughout the year. The goal is to encourage the community to visit local businesses, says President and acting Director of Benicia Main Street Christina Strawbridge.

The St. Patrick’s Day Beer Crawl however draws a slightly different crowd, for one main reason.

“I think it has a lot to do with the beer,” she says.

The beer crawl usually attracts a younger male demographic, an audience that Strawbridge hopes to maintain for this year’s event. She says they have made efforts to offer a diverse selection of beers and store locations this year.

Each ticket holder for the crawl can try up to 15 beers at various locations downtown with lite bites served at each spot. The seasonal ales, lagers and stouts are in part selected by the participating local businesses.

Sepay Groves, an olive oil and vinegar store, for example, will be pouring Guiness, says Strawbridge. “They really wanted to keep it Irish.”

Participating stores include Albertsons Abbey, Angel Heart 4 You, Berkshire Hathaway, Cartel Crystals and more.

As of early this week, 120 tickets were sold for the event. The end ticket-goal is 300, says StrawBridge. Although that may seem like a large gap, she says historically the crawl sees a lot of last minute sales and has hit their goals in previous years.

Community event planning isn’t always easy, but Benicia Main Street’s Wine Walk and Beer Crawl events have long been successful, says Strawbridge.

“This is a really popular series,” she says. One recent Wine Walk stood out to her in particular. “It was a miserable day, it was raining, the wind was hurricane force, but we sold 300 tickets,” said Strawbridge.

“What’s great about this event is people have to go into the store, you know into the business,” she says. “Its a real win-win.”

Benicia Main Street is a nonprofit, with the funds from their events going back into supporting the function of their organization and downtown Benicia.

In addition to the Beer Crawl and Wine Walks, their Farmers Market, which has been a seasonal staple since 1993, is set to kick off in April.

Tickets are $40 through March 8, with day-of tickets only available in person at Benicia Main Street. For more information contact Benicia Main Street at 707-745-9791. Wearing green is encouraged.

If you go …

WHAT: St. Patrick’s Day Beer Crawl

WHEN: March 8, 1-5 p.m.

WHERE: Benicia Main Street, 90 First St., Benicia.