For the past five years, a fun loving crowd ascends on West Liberty Avenue for the annual Dormont Pub Crawl. The biggest fundraiser of the year for Friends of Dormont Pool is happening Saturday from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Funds for the Friends of Dormont Pool are raised by pub crawl T-shirt sales only, which can be purchased at any of the 11 participating bars and on the day of the event at the tent in Dormont Plaza from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. T-shirts are $16 in advance and $20 day of the event. Cash only.
Over the past six years, Friends of Dormont Pool has raised $100,000 through combined events. This money, along with grants received by the borough, has helped to finance the renovation of the men’s and women’s locker rooms, repair of the pool’s decking and filtration system, the purchase of a floating volleyball net, large flower pots for the front of the building and an awning for the pool. Also purchased were new heavy duty picnic tables, a new sound system and most recently, a new diving board for the deep end of the pool.
“Last year, the pub crawl brought in $10,000 with an attendance of around 1,000 people," said event chair Colleen Lehman.
This year they are anticipating 1,200 people to come out and experience Mardi Gras-Dormont style. Proceeds from this year will be allocated to more recreational amenities’ such as tube slides and a children’s slide.
When you purchase your T-shirt you also receive a map pinpointing the location of each participating pub. The venues participating in this year’s pub crawl are Alberts, , , , Jamison’s, , “R” Bar, , , and .
You can start your crawl at any bar you wish. With a stop at each location make sure to have the bartender sign off on your map. Once you have visited each location, fill your name and phone number out and hand it in at the last bar you attend. All completed maps are then put into a drawing, with the grand prize being a family pool pass to Dormont Pool. Second and third place prizes are Penguins helmet and jersey donated by Wilson-McGinley.
Together with the 11 venues, the major sponsors of the pub crawl are Wilson-McGinley/Miller Lite, which is featuring a $2 special on Miller Lite bottles and drafts, and I & M Printing for creating this year’s graphics, T-shirts and banners.
If you have the need to nosh on your journey from one end of Dormont to the other, will be offering food specials and the VFW and Albert’s have a buffet for bar crawlers in need of a break.
A new addition to this year’s festivity will be Yellow Cab service. Starting at 11 p.m., cabs will be traveling West Liberty for people who need a safe way home from the pub crawl. This is an at your own expense service. Keep in mind to drink responsibly and please don’t drink and drive.
