Local government representatives, business people and others will duel for tips at the Eighth Annual Celebrity Bartending event for Big Day at the Lake Thursday June 8 at Alton’s Kitchen & Cocktails. All tips go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Celebrities on deck include Mecklenburg County Commissioner Pat Cotham, a Democrat, vs Commissioner Jim Puckett, a Republican, in a good natured race to collect the most tips for BBBS. Likewise, Sen. Jeff Jackson (D) will duel for tips against Sen. Jeff Tarte (R), a former mayor of Cornelius. And then there’s Rep. Chaz Beasley (D) up against Rep. John Bradford (R).
But it’s not all politics by any means. Other bartenders include WBT-TV fitness personality Nettie Reeves, The Range at Lake Norman owner Tricia Sisson, Aquesta Bank’s Laura Engel, attorney Cathy Bentz and Realtor Shelley Johnson.
”Locally famous is very cool,” said Shelia Brumlow, chair of the annual fundraiser. “Bartenders are selected, in part, on the basis of roots in the community, Facebook presence and ability to hold up when people order up complicated libations,” she said. Alton’s professional bartenders stand by to help. Presenting sponsors this year are PayPal and Champion Tire. Big Day at the Lake puts at-risk youngsters from Big Brothers Big Sisters and their mentors—also known as Bigs—out on Lake Norman and Mountain Island Lake for a full day of fun each year. This year’s event will be held on Saturday July 22.
