Festival shines spotlight on Regina's Warehouse District

The first Gastro Brew Festival is showing off Regina’s Warehouse District on a chilly Saturday.

Gates opened at 11 a.m. for the festival, shutting down a portion of Dewdney Avenue for the day. Joshua Kurkjian, marketing coordinator for the Regina Warehouse Business Improvement District, says the objective of the day is to promote the up-and-coming area.

“The Warehouse District has a very diverse array of industry and business sectors,” Kurkjian explained. “There’s a lot in furniture because the infrastructure, there’s a propensity towards warehousing, of course … but there’s also a lot of younger, hip, urban, creative class of young entrepreneurs, young professionals that want to live in some of these buildings that are retrofitted.”

Clydesdale horses are guiding people on wagon tours, give people a chance to see the area.

One of the shops in the area is Torchy’s Sport Imaging & Embroidery. Store partner Nadine Simpson says the best way to learn about the district is to explore it.

“Park and walk … that’s the only way you’re gonna really see what the Warehouse District has to offer,” Simpson said. She’s enjoyed seeing the district grow, and says the festival is a great chance for people to experience the area.

“It’s time for it. We need to start bringing recognition to the area.”

While Kurkjian admitted the weather for the day didn’t turn out to be ideal, he was still hopeful people would come out to enjoy the festival. Along with the wagon rides, there is live music, beer gardens, an entertainment area for kids, and a demonstration area for performers and businesses.

The festival ends at 9 p.m.