Local beer enthusiasts and First Friday revelers have one more reason to celebrate: complimentary SARTA bus service on the all-new First Friday Brew Bus will be available between downtown Canton’s First Friday festivities and Royal Docks Brewing Company in Jackson Township. The First Friday Brew Bus is a collaborative effort which includes the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Canton S
pecial Improvement District, Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce, Canton First Friday, Royal Docks Brewing Co., Buzzbin Art & Music Shop and SARTA.
“The Brew Bus provides easy, safe and fun transportation for those who want to explore breweries, bars, art venues and live music in downtown Canton and Jackson Township,” said Mike Gill, vice president of economic development for the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Our aim with the bus service is introduce some new faces to both Royal Docks and First Friday.”
“This is a great opportunity for people living in our area. Our goal has always been to bring an urban-style experience to our neighborhood and we believe that offering people a way to have fun in a safe way, park the car for free, and enjoy the urban setting of Downtown Canton is a great way to serve that vision. We’re hoping the busses are packed so we can continue this…” said John Bikis, owner of Royal Docks Brewing Company. How the First Friday Brew Bus Works:
• Two dedicated SARTA “Brew Buses” will begin service at 6:00 pm this Friday; one catty-cornered to Buzzbin Art & Music Shop (corner of Cleveland Ave. and 4th St. NW), and one at Royal Docks (7162 Fulton Drive, Canton, Ohio, 44718 in Noble’s Pond Plaza), with departures from each location every half hour. The last departure from each location will be at 9:30 pm.
• Riders are allowed to take beer, wine or cocktails on the bus, which they must finish or dispose of by the time they exit the bus. Those departing from Royal Docks will be provided a Royal Docks-issued plastic cup for their libations and can also take growlers onboard, while those departing from downtown Canton must board with a DORA (Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area) cup, which can be purchased at any participating DORA establishment.
• Riders cannot take their own beer, wine or liquor on the bus.
• Royal Docks will be open to midnight on Friday and offer free parking for anyone taking the Brew Bus downtown. Depending on the success of the inaugural run this weekend, the Brew Bus could become a regular feature of Canton’s First Friday celebrations.
