When ‘Double Dare’ meets Philly Beer Week

Philly Beer Week focuses on one thing: beer.

Established in 2008, Philly Beer Week is the largest beer-themed celebration in the United States. It attracts beer fanatics from all over and has sparked other cities to start their very own. But at the end of the day, no one does it quite like we do.

With hundreds of events happening regionally—and the celebration growing each and every year—at a certain point everything starts to mash together as just one big drinking fest. It's rare that one of these events includes anything more then drinking; except for one amazing occurrence that's become an annual tradition for Stephan Starr's Frankford Hall beer garden: Dunkel Dare.

You may be asking yourself, what the heck is Dunkel Dare? Let me take you back to a simpler time. Back to the early 90s when Nickelodeon TV shows reigned supreme. The thought of rushing home from school to flick on the tube to indulge in such brilliant shows as Rocko's Modern Life, The Adventures of Pete & Pete and Clarissa Explains It All fed a generation's unwavering TV addiction. One show that stood the test of time, well into the new millennium, was Double Dare.

Today, most of the show's dedicated viewers are well into their twenties and thirties and their interests have shifted to more adult activities. But the childhood memories remain; which is why the creation of Dunkel Dare was so brilliant.

Event-goers can expect more than just the nose at this year's event. The team was given less than a month to research, plan, and complete the new props—with the help of their trusty intern, Brandon Klevence. "We're building a six foot piece of Swiss cheese for grabbing flags out of, a pair of bird cage helmets for cramming chocolate covered rubber chickens into, and a foam 'brick' wall for brewers to ride a tricycle through during the obstacle course. We're also building a stack of four-foot wide pancakes, and high five hand costumes. Of course the giant nose will also be there again."

As for the main man, Marc Summers, the boys said he was deeply involved in the whole process from conception to completion. "He's an important part of the entire event. He has sort of been the creative director. He selected the physical challenges and directs how the event will play out. He does an amazing job and he is just as charismatic in person. "

The two are continuously working on a project that's been 6 years in development called the Your Brian exhibit. It will be the largest exhibit at the museum and it's set to open in June of 2014.

Dunkel Dare will take place twice during Philly Beer Week: Wednesday, June 5 and Thursday, June 6 from 7-9 pm at Frankford Hall, 1201 Frankford Avenue.

The event is free and open to the public. More info can be found here.