Pub Crawl Off to a Good Start

Reprinted from the Catonsville Times

03/05/08By Keith Meisel

Talk finally turned into action March 1 as the Catonsville Men's Civic Association hosted its first Catonsville Pub Crawl.
"We've been talking about doing something like this for a while," said Larry Davis, the association president.
"We wanted to draw attention to what we do and promote businesses in the Catonsville area," he said.
About 20 men and women paid $20 for a Catonsville Pub Crawl T-shirt and discounted drinks at Sea Hut Inn, Morsbergers, G.L. Shack's, Jennings Cafe and Ship's Cafe during Saturday afternoon's event.
"We just wanted to try and help the guys out any way we can, that's the main reason," said Shacks' co-owner, Ricky Shackleford.
"It's a fundraiser for us," said Davis, noting that the association provides annual events such as an Easter Egg Hunt and Fourth of July games and races at Catonsville High School, a Halloween party at the Catonsville Library and a night at the movies for residents of The Children's Home.
The event was sponsored by Strawberry Fields Witzke Properties and Crown Title.
The group met at Catonsville Gourmet on Frederick Road for a sneak peek at the new restaurant and carry-out, which is scheduled to open later this week, before walking down Frederick Road.
Co-owner Sean Dunworth, a Catonsville native who said he grew up in the restaurant industry, supplied hot crab dip and crab balls to fortify the group for its march of about a mile down and back on Frederick Road.
Davis said establishments such as Matthew's 1600 further west on Frederick Road had been considered, then rejected so that participants could walk to each destination.
Craig Witzke, a member of the association for more than 25 years, said the state's recent smoking ban, which went into effect Feb. 1, made the pub crawl more attractive.
"There are certain establishments where people say they would love to go there, but it's so darn smoky," Davis said. "Now the places are clean and fresh."
Davis said he was pleased with the turnout.
"You try not to overthink things," he said. "We wanted to put a little fun in fundraiser.
"We meet the first Wednesday of every month, so this week we'll go over what worked and what didn't work."
E-mail Keith Meisel at Keith Meisel@patuxent.com