⛳ Bellevue Forward’s first-ever Putt & Pour on April 27 proved to be more than just a fun afternoon; it was a major success for local businesses, breweries, and the Bellevue community as a whole. From 1–6 p.m., over 220 participants played their way through 18 creative mini-golf holes set up in local shops, sipping craft beer samples along the way. The event brought fresh foot traffic into Bellevue’s business district, showcased the town’s entrepreneurial talent, and created an energetic, welcoming atmosphere that had everyone smiling. Early estimates suggest that this event raised over $15,000 in ticket sales and sponsorships for Bellevue Forward, 76% of its initial $20,000 first-year goal!
The sales numbers were impressive: several local businesses reported generating $500–$999 in revenue, with one food and beverage vendor topping $1,000, far exceeding expectations. Retail shops, restaurants, and service providers alike praised the event for packing their stores all day and introducing them to new customers. Even businesses that weren’t focused on sales, like entertainment spots or service providers, said they were happy to participate and offer a positive experience to visitors. Across the board, vendors appreciated the boost in exposure and the strong community turnout, with many eager to join again next year.
Participants and breweries echoed that enthusiasm. Golfers loved the variety of stops, the friendly vibe, and the chance to discover Bellevue’s hidden gems, while breweries enjoyed engaging conversations with attendees and meaningful brand exposure. Suggestions for improvement included adding water stations, providing maps on scorecards, better crowd flow, and increasing the variety of golf hole designs — all helpful feedback that Bellevue Forward is excited to explore as the event evolves.
At its heart, Putt & Pour celebrated everything that makes Bellevue special: its small businesses, creative spirit, and welcoming community. Bellevue Forward extends a huge thank-you to all the players, sponsors, brewers, businesses, and volunteers who made the event successful. Stay tuned — with your support, we can’t wait to make next year’s Putt & Pour even bigger, better, and more unforgettable. Until then, cheers to Bellevue!🍻