BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – For over 20 years, April Brews Day has been a day to celebrate beer, community and the Max Higbee Center.

This year’s April Brews Day was no different, highlighting breweries and vendors from across the region. The purpose of this annual event? To raise money for the Max Higbee Center, an organization based in downtown Bellingham to help people with developmental disabilities in their daily lives.

Tabling at the Max Higbee Center tent was Maureen Monroe, who typically goes by “Jim’s mom”, and Recreation Leader Makenna Padgett. Padgett started volunteering with the organization in 2008. In June of 2023, she was asked by the board to join as a staff member.

Maureen Monroe (left) and Makenna Padgett (right) represented the Max Higbee Center at this year’s April Brews Day. Padgett works at the center as a recreation leader.

“I love it, and I can’t believe I’m getting paid for doing what I was doing as a volunteer,” Padgett said. “I can’t believe I was asked, and I was very honored for the opportunity.” 

This year’s event featured over 60 breweries with many of them traveling from outside of Whatcom County. Of course, local breweries made the effort to join in on the festivities like Kulshan Brewing, Boundary Bay Brewery and Aslan Brewing Company.

Some breweries came to the event equipped with a special brew just for the event while others brought their staple lagers, ales and IPAs. Aslan Brewing Company, who recently partnered with Patagonia Provisions, featured their new Kernza lager. Boundary Bay Brewery was offering an array of beer options including a festival-exclusive Ginger Peach Blonde.

The outdoor event was jam-packed with locals and tourists alike down on the waterfront. Walking through the rows of brewers were members of the Bellingham Circus Guild. Jugglers on stilts and people wearing flamboyant outfits entertained eventgoers with balance, smiles and of course, juggling.

Seattle-based bands Hard Maybe and Heavy Bloom played on the live music stage, bringing soulful and unique ambient music to area.

Although the weather brought light rain and mild winds, around 3500 volunteers showed up to make sure the event ran smoothly. All in all, the event brought in around $75,000 for the Max Higbee Center.

For more information about the Max Higbee Center, head to their website at maxhigbeecenter.org.

Rachel E. (left) and Liv S. (right) try a beer from Oregon-based pFriem Family Brewers.