Tourism Takeover coming to Central Waters

By Patrick Lynn

The Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau will host a Tourism Takeover at an Amherst brewery on Sept. 20.

The event will be held 5-7 p.m. at Central Waters Brewing Company, 351 Allen St. in Amherst.

The fifth annual Takeover encourages residents in local communities to “explore the tourism assets within Portage County and to be a tourist in their own town,” according to a news release from the CVB.

Free tours of the brewing facility begin at 5 p.m., with additional fun including prizes and photo booth. There is no cost to attend.

Sara Brish, executive director of the CVB, said visitors spent $135.4 million in Portage County last year.

“These events allow us to engage with the local residents who don’t realize that tourism is an important part of the Portage County economy,” Brish said.

Central Waters Brewing Company is part of the Central Wisconsin Craft Collective, a partnership between local craft beverage makers, including beer, wine, and spirits, and is a prominent tourist draw to the region. Other partners include the Stevens Point Brewery and McZ’s Brew Pub, and welcome visitors regularly.