As the official craft beer sponsor of Bloomsday, No-Li Brewhouse enjoys certain perks. Their logo is featured on the tens of thousands of race bibs that many of the participants keep as mementos.
But for the entire No-Li team that helps make it special each year, it’s much more than a race — just as it is to all the runners and walkers.
“Bloomsday is a community brand that represents a gem in our city and in our region,” says John Bryant, owner of No-Li. “The opportunity to sponsor Bloomsday is a privilege.
“It’s about what we believe in,” he adds. “Bloomsday has deep meaning to our community. To be a close partner, you have to have a relationship. We’re working 12 months a year behind the scenes, putting time, energy, resources and thought into how to make Bloomsday great.”
You’ll see evidence of that year-round effort at No-Li’s Bier Hall, the popular gathering spot that hosts the annual Bloomsday kickoff celebration.
You’ll also see it on race day at the Monroe Street Bridge, where the brewery’s Bloomsday signage creates a cool photo backdrop for everyone who crosses the finish line.
And it’s at the bustling Bloomsday post-race beer garden that No-Li organizes in cooperation with King Beverage. And you’ll see it in the No-Li × Bloomsday coasters and custom Bloomsday pint glasses that No-Li creates each year.
Bloomsday’s director of sponsorship and communications, Bethany Lueck, says that the No-Li partnership is as personal for her as it is professional.
“When I came to Bloomsday in 2022, I was stepping into a new role. I was feeling very nervous and excited, and when I sat down with John and Jack Bryant, they were just like, ‘What are your goals? Let’s make them happen.’ They were ready to go above and beyond because they shared our love of Spokane and the Inland Northwest.”
And the region has clearly reciprocated that love for Bloomsday and No-Li over the years. John is quick to point out that the ongoing support from the local community is what helped the brewery grow from its humble beginnings into a top-tier Bloomsday sponsor.
“We feel like we’ve been building to this,” he says. “Now we’re in a position to help build a community event that creates more awareness, more engagement and more smiles. And you can only do that if you live here and you’re totally invested in it.”
No-Li’s On Tap series developed in partnership with the Inlander • Sponsored Content
