INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Celebrate Sand Harbor State Park this Friday, June 5 as the Nevada State Parks Foundation, in partnership with Shoe Tree Brewing Company, debuts their first in a lineup of state-park inspired craft beers, the Sand Harbor Helles, at their Sunset Release Party. 

The Nevada State Parks Foundation is made up of three retired state park employees and three current employees, all volunteers. Their mission is focused on helping Nevada State Parks. They’ve implemented improvement and cleanup projects throughout the park system in addition to previously facilitating restroom installments across several state parks.

“We’re all passionate about state parks. We truly believe in our mission to help Nevada State Parks preserve and enhance the experience for visitors, and we’re hoping to meet people, to get our name out there, and of course any fundraising we’re able to do, 100% of that goes back into Nevada State Parks,” said Dale Conner, President of the Nevada State Parks Foundation who was also a ranger at Sand Harbor for 10 years. 

As part of their mission, several foundation members put their heads together and came up with the idea to partner with Las Vegas Brewing Company to sell themed beers inspired by Southern Nevada state parks, with a portion of those proceeds going to Nevada State Parks.

“It started there in Las Vegas, and we wanted to continue partnering up north,” said Conner. The program has now expanded north with Shoe Tree Brewing Company.

Shoe Tree Brewing Company has locations in both Carson City and Minden, Nev. They built their stellar, award-winning reputation brew by brew, and is now among the most popular brewing companies in the Northern Nevada region. After they were approached by the Nevada State Parks Foundation, they enthusiastically agreed to a partnership. 

This weekend’s Sunset Release Party will feature their first craft beer in the Northern Nevada state park lineup, the Sand Harbor Helles, along with food available for purchase at Kokanee Bar & Grill, live music from local artists Stephen Rehm and Jason Perl, and of course, breathtaking sunset views on one-of-a-kind Lake Tahoe. 

“We’re really excited about bringing together local business, visitors who love Sand Harbor, and the enjoyment of craft beers as well,” said Tyler Kerver, Education and Information Officer with Nevada State Parks. “I think a lot of us have grown up going to that park as a kid or with their family. This will be a different way to enjoy the park in your adulthood.” 

Shoe Tree Brewing Co. describes the Sand Harbor Helles craft beer as “a crisp, refreshing German-style lager brewed for easy drinking and is well balanced. Brewed with pilsner and Munich malt sourced from Germany.” 

The Sunset Release Party will take place at Sand Harbor from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Vehicle entry fees will be $10 for in-state license plates and $15 for out-of-state. 

The event is family-friendly, and kids can enjoy a variety of drinks Kokanee Bar & Grill has to offer during the party.

As one of the most renowned state parks in Nevada, it’s likely that Sand Harbor State Park will be closed due to capacity earlier in the day, with gates reopening at 5 p.m. If you plan on coming just for the event, don’t expect to get into the park until 5 p.m. Gates could close again once event capacity is reached.

Folks must be ages 21 or older to sample beer, with full cans available for purchase at Kokanee Bar & Grill. 

This sunset beach party is a summer event you don’t want to miss as every sip of Sand Harbor Helles supports Nevada State Parks. 

To learn more about the Nevada State Parks Foundation, visit https://nvspf.com/. 

You can check out Shoe Tree Brewing via their website: https://www.shoetreebrewing.com/ and socials: @shoetreebrewing  

Sand Harbor State Park is located at 2005 NV-28 in Incline Village, Nev.