NEWS & EVENTS

West O Beer announces ‘The Terrace’ outdoor expansion

WEST OKOBOJI, Iowa — West O Beer, a craft brewery located in West Okoboji, Iowa, recently announced plans to expand its taproom to include an outdoor space the brewery calls “The Terrace.”

“We love inviting people into our taproom and brewery to experience everything we have to offer, including craft beer and brick-oven pizzas” West O Beer owner Matt Matthiesen said. “We also know that families and friends come to Okoboji to enjoy the outdoors, and children especially need more space and things to do. This is why we’re so excited to offer that added opportunity with ‘The Terrace,’ named for our location near Terrace Park Beach on the south shore of West Lake Okoboji.”

The new 2,500-square-foot outdoor space, located east of the building’s main entrance, will feature a performance area for musicians and other entertainers, beautiful landscaping, comfortable seating, a children’s play space, outdoor games, paved accessible parking and more.

Matthiesen said construction on the outdoor space will begin shortly. He expects The Terrace to be open to the public in May.

“All of our plans are in place. Right now, we’re just waiting for the contractors to begin,” he said. “Once construction is underway, we’re hopeful to have the space open in May. We also have a few fun things in the works to coincide with the grand opening, so be on the lookout for that announcement.”

For more information, visit www.westobeer.com.

ABOUT WEST O BEER

West O Beer was founded in 2013 by co-owners Matt and Michaela Matthiesen after the couple gained a decade of experience as home brewers.

“My dad used to brew beer at home when we were kids,” Matt said. “It was always something we wanted to try. Then in 2003, my wife Michaela lined up a home brew session with some friends of ours, and we started brewing on a regular basis. Michaela’s dad even decided to plant three acres of barley and 40 hop vines in his back yard. In 2008, we started a business plan for a microbrewery. All of our plans revolved  around family — not immediate family, but a West O Beer family. We wanted to find other  people out there, an entire team, who all shared our same love for beer — then grow it, and share it with others. We found them, and it worked.”

West O Beer is more than a brewery. The company’s motto — Quality Beer, Committed  to More — speaks to West O Beer’s involvement in the local community and its commitment to water quality and conservation efforts throughout the region.
“Water is the most constant ingredient and flavor in beer,” Matt said. “This ingredient led us to an empty lot in West Okoboji, which was serviced with spring-fed, naturally soft water from West Lake Okoboji. Building on this lot in 2013 was the best decision we ever made. Our water is so important that we donate a portion of our proceeds to help preserve and protect the natural resources of the Iowa Great Lakes Region.”
West O Beer is located at 503 Terrace Park Blvd in West Okoboji, Iowa.

Puzzle Race at West O Beer to raise funds for Humane Society of NW Iowa

WEST OKOBOJI, Iowa — West O Beer — a craft brewery in West Okoboji, Iowa — recently announced plans to host a Puzzle Race to benefit the Humane Society of Northwest Iowa. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 12 and will feature three races beginning at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The 1 p.m. race is family-friendly with soda being offered in place of beer for those underage.

“The Humane Society’s mission goes beyond shelter walls. It’s about bringing people together to make a difference for animals in need,” said Melanie Becker, Board Treasurer at Humane Society of Northwest Iowa. “Events like the Puzzle Race not only raise critical funds for our animals but also create a sense of community, where supporters can have fun while making an impact. We’re grateful to West O Beer for providing a space where people can come together for a cause that changes lives — both human and animal. Puzzle. Race. Rescue.”

To win, your team of four must complete a 500-piece puzzle, eat 12 chicken wings and drink eight beverages in the fastest time. Prizes will go to the top three placing teams and you will be able to keep your completed puzzle at the end of the competition. Puzzles, wings and beverages are all included in the entry fee.

“Our partnership with the Humane Society is not just long-standing, but one of our most unique, as grain from our brewing process is used to make dog treats that also raise money for their cause,” said West O Beer owner Matt Matthiesen. “Their creativity in getting groups of family and friends together for such a unique event up in our Loft event space is such a fun way for West O Beer to continue supporting their efforts.”

To enter, go to https://tinyurl.com/2s2r7ryv and select your preferred start time. The entry fee is $135 per team. 

West O Beer is located at 503 Terrace Park Blvd in West Okoboji.

ABOUT HUMANE SOCIETY OF NW IOWA

The Humane Society of Northwest Iowa is a 501(c)3 non-profit animal shelter that proudly serves Dickinson, Clay, Emmet, Palo Alto, O’Brien and Osceola counties. Their mission is to promote the ethical and humane treatment of all animals, as well as provide care, housing and rehabilitation for animals in need and promote responsible pet ownership by educating on the importance of spaying or neutering animals.

Learn more at www.humanesocietyofnwia.com.