Jon Sparhawk Day - Community Day - OBW 2026

Wear a Hawaiian or Floral shirt and do something positive for someone to honor of one of our founders and the inspiration for Ohio Brew Week, Jon Sparhawk.
20 years ago, Sparhawk, a local restaurant owner, saw the growing Ohio beer scene as a way to spur business in Athens during the summer months.
Sparhawk passed away suddenly just before the second-ever Ohio Brew Week. His name and influence were memorialized in the “Sparbock” beer, brewed by Jackie O’s for many years annually for Ohio Brew Week. Jon was a beloved Athens resident, highly involved and known by brewers all over the state.
“We know everyone enjoys the weekends,” said Thompson. “But Jon came up with Brew Week to boost business in Athens during the summer, and that means weekdays, too.
Help us honor his legacy during the 21st annual Ohio Brew Week by remembering where it all started.