Kalamazooans rally around the Beer City USA vote

Beer City USA voting has begun and list of reasons to vote for Kalamazoo are popping up all over. Kalamazoo and 21 other communities across the nation are competing for the title that organizers say is as much about community pride as it is about beer. 

Discover Kalamazoo is one of those encouraging people to vote and it says many local businesses and individuals have banded together to ask Kalamazoo residents and fans to rally and vote in the spirit of community pride.

 "While we need the support of the whole community for this title, this contest isn’t just about winning Beer City USA," Discover Kalamazoo president and CEO Greg Ayers says. "This is about harnessing the passion and pride that our residents have for our community. This is about uplifting our friends and neighbors, sharing our local history and coming together to tell the world about our love for Kalamazoo and its rapidly expanding craft beer scene."  

A get out the vote event is set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 9 at Wild Bull.

Social media to promote the vote has been created: 

• Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/Beer4Kzoo 

• Twitter: @Beer4Kzoo

• Hashtag: #Beer4Kzoo

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/discoverkzoo/beer4kzoo/

And a web site is here.

Finally, for those undecided the most complete list we have seen posted by Buster Bronco on the site where supporters can vote: 

38 reasons to vote for Kalamazoo:
ANNUAL BEER EVENTS
1. Santacon Kalamazoo - http://www.santaconkalamazoo.com/
2. Kalamazoo Beer Week - billed as the largest beer week in Michigan - http://www.kalamazoobeerweek.com/
MICRO-BREWERIES AND BREWPUBS
3. Olde Peninsula Brewpub and Restaurant - http://oldepenkazoo.com/
4. Bilbos Pizza and Brewpub - http://www.bilbospizza.com/
5. Arcadia Ales - http://www.arcadiaales.com/index.php/blog/item/4-arcadia-brewing-company-bringing-jobs-to-west-michigan.html
6. Boatyard Brewing Company - http://boatyardbrewing.com/
7. Gonzo's Bigg Dogg Brewery - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gonzos-Bigg-Dogg-Brewery/132180910282558
8. Rupert's Brew House - https://twitter.com/RupeyKzooBrew
9. American Brewers Inc. http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2013/05/nearby_church_complicates_loca.html
10. Bell's Brewery  http://bellsbeer.com/  and Eccentric Café http://www.bellsbeer.com/eccentric-cafe/ 
LARGE BEER STORES
11. Megabev - http://www.megabev.com/store/cat/55/Beer -- bills itself as the largest beverage store in Michigan
12. Drake Party Center - http://www.drakespartycenter.com/
13. The Den Partystore - https://www.facebook.com/TheDenPartyStore
14. Tiffany's Wine & Spirit Shoppe - http://www.aatiffany.com/
15. Bacchus Wine and Spirits - https://www.facebook.com/kzoobacchus
BARS, TAVERNS, PUBS, TAPHOUSES, AND SALOONS (not a complete list of all the bars in town)
16. The Y Bar - http://theybar.com/
17. Wild Bull Saloon & Steakpit - http://wildbull.co/
18. Wayside West - http://waysidewest.com/
19. UP AND UNDER - http://www.theuandu.com/
20. University Roadhouse - http://www.universityroadhouse.com/
21. Shakespeare's Pub - http://shakespearespub.com/
22. Ouzos Pub & European Grill - http://www.ouzoskalamazoo.com/
23. OLD DOG TAVERN - https://www.facebook.com/olddogtavern
24. Old Burdick's - http://www.oldburdicks.com/
25. O'Duffy's Pub - http://oduffyspub.com/
26. Monaco Bay Piano Bar and Grill - http://monacobay.co/
27. Main St. Pub - http://www.mainstpub.com/
28. Louie's Trophy House Grill - https://www.facebook.com/LouiesTrophyHouse
29. The Loft - http://www.millenniumrestaurants.com/loft/
30. The Library Kitchen & Taphouse - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Library-Kitchen-Taphouse/153586994670425
31. Kalamazoo Beer Exchange - http://kalamazoobeerexchange.com/
32. Home Bar - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Home-Bar/108914772527968
33. The Grotto at Capone's - http://www.thegrottoatcapones.com/
34. Green Top Tavern - http://greentoptavern.com/
35. The Gatsby Nightclub - http://thegatsby.co/
36. Fletcher's Pub - http://www.fletcherspub.com/
37. Central City Tap House - http://www.millenniumrestaurants.com/central-city-tap-house/
38. The 411 Club - http://www.the411club.com/411club/