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Important Dates

Local stars mix it up June ​8​ for Big Brothers Big Sisters

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 2​2​.