Vernor’s Ginger Ale will mark its 160th anniversary with a daylong celebration in Eastern Market in Detroit on Sunday, June 14.
The event will take place along Riopelle Street and feature food, drinks, music, games, historical exhibits, family activities, and a street wide toast to 160 years of Vernor’s at 3:30 p.m.
Guests attending the celebration can enjoy Boston Coolers, Vernor’s cocktails, cream ales, food items featuring Vernor’s as an ingredient, and, for the first time since the 1980s, Vernor’s Ice Cream.
“Everyone from the Detroit area has a Vernor’s story to tell. It’s a part of our culture,” says Keith Wunderlich, founder of the Vernor’s Club and organizer of the event. “Everybody’s mother gave them Vernor’s if they were feeling sick. And we knew it was officially summer when our moms gave us Vernor’s with vanilla ice cream in it.
“The Vernor’s 160th Anniversary celebration gives us all a chance to relive a little bit of our childhood and, hopefully, show the next generation that some of the simple things in life are the best.”
The event also will showcase the rich history of the iconic Detroit brand through 10 interactive history stations. By scanning QR codes, visitors can watch short videos highlighting moments from Vernor’s history, including its former Woodward Avenue locations, the story behind the beloved Vernor’s Gnome, and footage from the brand’s 85th anniversary celebration.
Vintage Vernor’s television commercials and radio advertisements also will be featured throughout the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Vernor’s Gnome, as well as James Vernor V, a family relative. Today, the brand is owned by Keurig Dr. Pepper.
Wunderlich, author of “Vernor’s Ginger Ale,” will be on site signing books.
Additional activities include vintage advertising displays, live music, games, Gnome hat making, children’s coloring stations, and more.
Most activities will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., though select offerings, including the Marrow Vernor’s Brunch, will run throughout the day. Chef Noelle Prater of Marrow in the Market is preparing a special brunch menu for the day featuring Detroit’s favorite ginger ale.
Participating partners include Marrow in the Market, Detroit City Distillery, Henry the Hatter, WabiSabi313, Eastern Market Brewing, Eastern Market Corporation, the Vernor’s Club, and Keurig Dr Pepper.
For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page.
