Whether you’re from here or traveled through this city we call Calgary, you’ve probably heard of/been to The Ship and Anchor. Multiple articles can be written about the many shades of The Ship; its five star beer selection, delicious fried pickles and above all else, its diverse and exotic mix of wonderful customers.

Ahhh The Ship’s ambiance, primarily provided by the people, employees included. The people who frequent are a big part of this local hot-spot’s charm, and The Ship is surely aware.

Every year The Ship throws a party just for their favourite bar-flys. The Regulars Party, is nothing short of fantastic, filled with happiness and sunshine, complimentary food and cheap booze and a different theme every year to boot.

Buddies, mint juleps, pigs and appreciation.

As a fortunate attendee of this year’s party, which took place this past weekend, let me tell you that The Ship pulls out all the stops for their guests of honour. This year’s theme was Garden Party, equipped with a small welcome orchestra, mini-fountain and full pig-roast for god sake. I’ve never seen so many sun-hats and floral prints.

The Ship’s own crew boasts bow ties, suspenders and in some cases slacks. That’s right slacks. There was certainly no shortage of class, by the end of the afternoon you just want to hug everyone and then play croquet. It was a beautiful thing.

I can’t tell you exactly how to get on the list for next time around, but I can tell you that once you’re a friend of The Ship, they keep their friends for life. I heard a rumor that people actually fly in from out of town to attend the Sunday afternoon event as they still get invited even after they’ve changed area codes. Now that’s friendship.

As someone who values drinking a variety of alcoholic beverages and spending copious amounts of time in crowded bars, I know how rare it is for a bar to both remember who you are and also appreciate the length of time they have to look at your face in an evening.

I’m sure every city has a “Cheers” like spot where you can see the same weirdos at the end of the bar night after night. But the biggest difference between those places and The Ship, is those places don’t have Calgarians as their primary patrons. The Ship and Anchor is one of our city’s many treasures, and it’s nice to know they feel the same way about us.