July 3, 2021

Crane Brewing Company, located at 6515 Railroad Street in Raytown is having a Rock Island Trail Community Celebration on Saturday, Jul. 10. Doors open at 11 a.m. Festivities begin 12 noon and include Crane Brewing’s Trailsmith Ale and Rock Island Blonde on draft, Bike Stop e-bike demos, hot dogs, Wilma’s Good Food, Snow Station Shaved Ice Truck, Mister Dipz Cookies & Sweet Treats, and free water.

4-7 p.m.: Live music by the Tyler Giles band in the Crane Barrel Room.

Michael Crane, founder and co-owner of Crane Brewing Company, couldn’t be more excited about Phase II of the Rock Island Trail.

“Although the trail will run directly in front of the brewery, just 60 feet from our front door, it represents an unprecedented opportunity for the entire Raytown community,” he says. “Crane Brewing has already been lucky enough to experience some of the economic impact of this part of the trail, and with the official ribbon cutting by Jackson County on July 10, more and more people will utilize it and the services offered by businesses in the area.”

Crane looks forward to trail-based beer tourism generated by people using the rails-to-trails system.

“We couldn’t be in a better position to enjoy the benefits of people taking advantage of the trail’s recreational opportunities,” he says. “It’s been our dream to be a sort of ambassador for the Raytown community as we welcome walkers and bikers from across the metro and region and even from around the country.”

“The opening of Phase II of the Rock Island Trail has encouraged new and aspiring riders to get out and ride more frequently,” says Ross Given, co-owner of Bike Stop, which has locations in Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs. “It’s the best thing to happen locally for cycling in a long time. The trail will help encourage the community to develop healthier lifestyles and provide opportunities for recreation for families.”

Given will demo the various features what popular electric bikes offer cyclists.

“E-bikes are built with comfort and ease in mind, including models designed with ergonomic handlebar positions and other features,” he says. “And with long-lasting batteries, wider tires, and intuitive controls, electric bikes are perfect for cruising the Rock Island Trail.”

Crane Brewing, known for supporting Kansas City organizations with its collection of Crane Cares beers and other initiatives, will sell its highly rated Trailsmith Ale on draft, with proceeds benefiting the Raytown Chamber Building Foundation.

“For over five years, Crane Brewing has been a huge community supporter,” says Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism President Vicki Turnbow. “The proceeds generated by the Crane Cares beer will help us continue our mission to finish improvements to our building,which sits just feet from the Rock Island Trail. As a Chamber of Commerce that promotes local tourism and a Building Foundation, we are excited about what the Rock Island Trail will do for our community and those visiting. A big thank you to Jackson County for following through with the vision of the trail.”

“We are extremely grateful that Jackson County’s hard work has come to fruition,” Crane says. “It truly is a great day in our neighborhood.”