Travis Dahle

For the Argus Leader

One thing that I really like about being from the Midwest is the willingness to not only help each other in times of need, but to also work together for a cause. It doesn’t matter if you are in the same field and are in competition with each other, if we’ve never met before or if we’ve been good friends for a long time. If there is something that we can do to help each other, we step up and do it.

I’m sure all of us have a lot of examples that we’ve either seen or taken part in, which again is one of the things that I love about living here. The different craft breweries in Sioux Falls are a testament to that belief. There are a lot of different craft breweries in Sioux Falls and while we might think that would lead to intense competition, it also has led to some cooperation.

Fernson Brewing Co., WoodGrain Brewing Co. and Hydra Beer Co. came together to create a charity brew called the JY6 Oatmeal Pale Ale. They did this for the Jorgen Yde Foundation. The foundation serves to fund pediatric oncology and leukemia research, as well as provide support services to those affected by it. Needless to say, it is a worthy foundation and a very worthy cause for three companies to work together.

Great Oktoberfests even a German beer lover named Hans would enjoy

Each of the breweries serves the beer in their taprooms, and it will be available throughout October. A portion of each pint sold will be donated to the JY6 Foundation.

Here is where you all come in – there is a contest between the breweries to see which taproom can sell the most pints. If you are a fan of Fernson, for example, and want to see the brewery get some bragging rights about selling more JY6 Oatmeal Pale Ale than WoodGrain or Hydra, then you better get down there and start ordering some pints. It’s already mid-October, so we’re losing valuable time.

To help you get started, there is going to be a brew release party from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at Fernson on Eighth Avenue. It will include drinks, music and apparently some awesome prizes. So, it looks like there is no excuse for you now. Get out there and try a brew that was created by three different brewers for a good cause.

Get in on the Midwestern camaraderie this month and join in the fun. Maybe you’ll get inspired to help out another organization, too. Either way, you’ll enjoy a great beer at the same time.