If you were waiting for Thanksgiving for a reason to eat drink and be merry, wait no more. This Saturday will feature two big parties you don’t want to miss. A first for both, the Treasure Coast Wine & Ale Trail Festival followed by the Centennial Beachside Bonfire Fest in Vero Beach promise a day and evening of extraordinary festivities.

The Inaugural Treasure Coast Wine & Ale Trail Festival will kick off Saturday, November 17th, at 1 PM at Summer Crush Winery in Fort Pierce. Instead of following the trail to the many local brew, cider, and wine crafters, they are all coming together in one location to offer one great big tasting party. Attendees will enjoy live music, food trucks, local artisans and opportunities to taste and purchase local craft beer, wine, and cider from the eleven members of the trail.

An admission ticket includes 25 tokens for 25 2 oz samples of beverages offered by participating member including: Sailfish Brewing Company, Islamorada Beer Company, Side Door Brewing Company, Pareidolia Brewing Company, Walking Tree Brewery, Orchid Island Brewery, Hop Life Brewing, American Icon Brewery, Mash Monkeys Brewing Company, Pierced Cider Works, and Summer Crush Winery. Many of the samplings will be specialty brews made just for, and available only at this special event!

Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door and the proceeds benefit the Treasure Coast Wine & Ale Trail. The event will wrap up at 5:00 p.m. to give you just enough time to rest a bit and work up your dinner appetite for a unique celebration in Vero Beach as part of its centennial celebration.

The Beachside Bonfire Fest is an unprecedented opportunity to party hop along the beach amidst the glow of bonfires which are, of course, usually prohibited. It’s another not-to-be-missed event because, according to the organizers, who knows when this will ever be permitted again on Vero's beaches? Maybe not for another 100 years!

Organized by the Vero Beach Lifeguard Association, the festivities will be anchored by four beachfront venues; each offering themed party, music, menu, and bonfires. Waldo’s at the Driftwood Resort will present a traditional southern barbecue while Costa d’ Este Beach Resort will host Latin style fiesta. At Mulligans Beach House there will be a Hawaiian Luau, and the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa is planning Beach Blanket Bingo theme.

The evening promises excellent entertainment, food, raffles and more. Trolley service will be available all evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. and will run continuously between Riverside Park and the beachfront venues. Attendees are strongly encouraged to use the free service.

For more information about the Wine & Ale Trail Festival visit the www.summercrushwine.com or call 772-460-0500.

To learn more about the Treasure Coast Wine & Ale Trail visit www.tcwineandaletrail.com

For more information about the Beachside Bonfire Fest and other planned centennial celebrations www.verobeach100.org