Shep's Elbow Convention -
If you haven’t yet been to the infamous Elbow Convention put on by Shep’s on 6th, you need to plan your weekend out for this August 25th-26th! It’s a two-day event full of good drinks, good people and even better music. With the alleyway blocked-off for the event at Shep’s in downtown Brainerd, you can grab your favorite people and go have some fun!
The Loyal Order of the Elbows started back in 1991 by a group of friends (grand elbow number 1, 2, 3, and so on) when they decided it was time to start their own local club. The Loyal Order of the Elbows name came about when the group of friends would meet out for happy hour, with their elbows resting on the edge of the bar after their long workday, as they enjoyed a drink and good company. When it was time to leave, they would say, “see ya elbows” in reference to their elbows on the bar.
Since the LOE began, the club has grown to 22,000 unsolicited members. They encourage everyone to become a member. There is a cool perk to joining! When you order a drink, if your bartender happens to ask for your member number and you do have your membership card or the number memorized, you get a free drink of your choice! Some of the members have proven their undeniable loyalty by getting a LOE tattoo on their elbow, with the benefit of a free drink/shot each day for the rest of their lives. Now that’s some incentive!
One of the main events of the Elbow Convention is the annual awarding of the Grand Elbow. This year, they will be awarding the 32nd Grand Elbow. If you want a chance at winning, campaigns will be running from August 1st-15th. Make your way into Shep’s on 6th to get more details if you’re interested. What is the purpose of a Grand Elbow you may ask? Well for starters, who doesn’t love a good competition for a title! Secondly, the Grand Elbow gets to be Shep’s right-hand person for the year - helping with events like downtown golf, signing up new elbow members, and being a promoter of the elbow concept.
The 2023 lineup features Hollywood Blvd on Friday night and The Hype on Saturday night. Both bands will be playing from 8:30pm-12:30am, with the gates opening at 5pm. Shep’s patio will be open with ping pong and bean bags. If you get hungry, you won’t have to go far - Giovanni’s pizza will have a tent set up. There is a small cover charge ($10/day or $15/weekend) and of course, be sure to bring a valid ID! If you want to let loose and enjoy drinks without the stress of a sober ride home, there is currently a safe ride program in downtown Brainerd, where the bar will call a cab, hand the driver a voucher worth up to $15, and you get a safe ride home.
If you can’t make it to the Elbow Convention festivities, you can still take advantage of Shep’s daily happy hour specials Monday-Friday from 2-6pm. On Friday and Saturday they have a patio shot special, as well. The annual Elbow Convention has grown to become a traditional event for both locals and those visiting the area, as they all come together for music and memories. End your summer with a bang and get ready to let the fun times roll August 25th-26th at the Shep’s Elbow Convention!
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