A Vermont brewery is taking community engagement to a new level this weekend as Lawson’s Finest Liquids will host a celebratory event for local athlete Paula Moltzan, an alpine ski racer currently competing in the Winter Olympics. The brewery’s unique blend of sporting spirit and local pride showcases how grassroots support can elevate an athlete’s journey. “We love to celebrate her wins,” said Kelly Putnam of Lawson’s, encapsulating the vibe of camaraderie and festivity that permeates the Mad River Valley.
Moltzan, who recently clinched a bronze medal in the women’s alpine combined event alongside partner Jackie Wiles, will have her dedicated fans gather at Lawson’s taproom this Sunday to cheer her on in the giant slalom. Yet, this event isn’t merely about watching races; it serves as a tactical hedge against the isolation that can sometimes accompany athletes in training. Celebrations like these deepen community bonds while providing the athletes with the recognition they deserve.
The “Paula’s World” Phenomenon
Last year, Lawson’s brewery launched a limited-edition IPA called “Paula’s World” in honor of Moltzan—a reflection of the organic alliance between local businesses and homegrown talent. This year, the special label returns ahead of the “Paula Moltzan Winter Games Pancake Breakfast,” an event that includes local fire departments serving pancakes as a fundraiser. This initiative casts a wider net of community support, revealing a deeper synergy between local commerce and athletics.
| Stakeholders | Before the Event | After the Event |
|---|---|---|
| Paula Moltzan | Athlete competing with limited local support | Increased local engagement and recognition |
| Lawson’s Finest Liquids | Local brewery focused on craft beer | Enhanced community presence and sales boost |
| Mad River Valley Community | Supportive but less integrated into athletic events | Stronger community ties and involvement in local sports |
A Community United
The upcoming event, opening its doors at 7 a.m. on February 15, offers fans a chance to experience live racing action at 7:30 a.m. Further intensifying the celebratory atmosphere, Lawson’s will begin selling its Paula’s World IPA at 8 a.m. This community-centric approach reveals a trend where local breweries leverage celebrations of athletes to not only promote their products but to also unify local pride.
As Moltzan remarked in a past interview, “The whole community here that works at Lawson’s is super supportive of me.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of how communal support can help propel athletes, especially those participating on such high-stakes platforms like the Olympics.
Projected Outcomes
So, what can we expect next from this intersection of local brews and Olympic aspirations?
- Increased Attendance: Expect rising attendance at commemorative events as local athletes compete, fostering an environment of mutual support.
- Broadened Sponsorship Deals: The successful collaboration between Lawson’s and Moltzan could inspire other businesses to form partnerships with local athletes, creating sponsorship opportunities that extend beyond races.
- Enhanced National Visibility: As community engagements gain traction, they may draw attention from national media outlets, enhancing the visibility of Vermont’s local culture and athletic talent.
The evolving storyline of Paula Moltzan not only emphasizes her athletic journey but intertwines it with the heart of Vermont’s local community. It showcases how local initiatives can shape the future for aspiring athletes and create a narrative that resonates far beyond the boundaries of sports.
