03/02/2025
Dear Friends of Wee Tipple,
We have received numerous queries from our mid-island community of supporters regarding the status of Wee Tipple and its future and wish to take this opportunity to offer our perspective on events and decisions that have lead to the current situation.
"Wee Tipple Party: Nanaimo’s Whisk(e)y Festival" was created in 2003 by Crimson Coast Dance Society and through the vision and extraordinary efforts of organizers, volunteers, artists, sponsors, liquor reps, host venues, and most importantly our loyal guests, Wee Tipple grew into one of the most anticipated events on Nanaimo’s social calendar. Indeed, it has been our signature, annual, fundraising event for the last 20 years.
However, The Grand Hotel, the flagship venue for the event since 2012, has chosen to produce the 2025 Whisky Festival independent of Crimson Coast Dance, with both a different name and partner. This unilateral decision, taken without prior consultation or communication, was a disconcerting surprise to Crimson Coast Dance, particularly given the many years of fruitful and respectful collaboration between the hotel ownership and the dance company. Crimson Coast Dance has been grateful for and proud of the work we did together.
We are working to re-organize our fundraising efforts, re-organize Wee Tipple, and we hope that you will keep an eye on our website, CRIMSONCOASTDANCE.COM, to learn about our plans. We are eternally grateful for your support of Crimson Coast Dance and hope that we are able to count on your participation in the future.
To you, we raise our glass.
(Photo of: Sophia Gilks by: Alec Watson)
