10/07/2023
We've posted this on the Winterset Rants and Raves page yesterday afternoon and today to be sure those asking questions and that support us have some explaination. It was taken down quickly both times. Thanks to everyone who has reached out:
I've become aware of discussion here and in the community about the inclusion of the Rolling Taps Beercoe images and logo in marketing materials for the Covered Bridges Festival, including on the magazine cover. We were not told or asked about it beforehand. It just showed up in our mailbox.
First--I have enjoyed the Covered Bridges Festival my whole life. My family is from and lives in Winterset. And I have started and fostered several businesses in Winterset.
Rolling Taps Beercoe was at the Festival two years ago. The next year, we reached out to apply to purchase a space again. We offered to collaborate with a new Winterset brewery to showcase them. We were ultimately told that if we applied, the Festival board was likely to reject us. Seeing the writing on the wall, we did not apply this year.
My greatest concern about the inclusion of our brand in Festival marketing is that it sends the signal that we will be there, and when we are not, that we have failed to meet our promise. That is not the case.
We are a Winterset business. If the door had not been slammed on us, we would be there. I regret any confusion caused by the marketing decisions of the Festival board.
