Emmett's Brewing renames beer to mark Palatine Park District's 75th anniversary

The Palatine Park District is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month with an anniversary beer, in partnership with Emmett's Brewing Company.

Emmett's, located downtown at 110 North Brockway St., initially planned to brew a special beer for the anniversary, but that was not possible due to a supply shortage caused by COVID-19, said restaurant general manager Lin Wise.

Instead, Emmett's has renamed its Peacekeeper beer "75th Anniversary" for the month of September, Wise said. This an American wheat beer with a citrusy aroma and 5.3% ABV.

"It is one of our core beers. It is very popular," Wise said.

The park district is providing the restaurant with commemorative items like posters, stickers and coasters for patrons who order the anniversary beer, said Brittani Sotzen, communications and marketing manager for the park district.

The park district is happy to collaborate with Emmett's, particularly in light of the negative effects that the pandemic has had on local businesses, Sotzen said. The idea initially was to share with the park district some of the beer sales proceeds, but the plan changed due to the economic effects of the pandemic.

"We're excited to bring something fun and exciting to Palatine community members," Sotzen said.

The partnership is a great idea, Wise agreed. "I'm glad they asked us to be a part of it."

"It's fun to be able to provide drinks for the community I grew up in," added Mike Engelke, Emmett's head brewer and a native of Palatine. "Growing up with the park district meant a lot to me and taught me the importance of community."

The park district was formed Sept. 21, 1945, in a decree signed by the Cook County clerk. Over the years, the district has acquired more than 500 acres of land that includes 45 parks, nine recreation facilities and three aquatic centers.