Tipp City’s local watering hole was recently more lively than most Tuesday nights. With the usual community crowd came some new visitors to the quaint little West Main Street Bar. Tony’s Bada Bing is usually the perfect place to stop in for a drink with old friends or new, but on Tuesday, November 12, the nighttime activities went beyond a brew or two.

Talented instructor Tera Fernandez from Knights Kreations 23 hosted an exciting paint-and-sip event. The prompt included a beautiful blue ombre background with snowy tree branches, a warn streetlamp, and a little cardinal perched on the post. Although this design may sound complicated, it was completed by everyone who attended in their own unique way.

Tera, a desert candle maker and patient painting instructor, taught each person step-by-step how to create the painting, and everyone made their own special rendition of the winter wonderland scene.

The vibe of the activity was focused but far from boring. In between brush strokes, the charming bartender, Kristen Bayliff, refilled drinks and boosted confidence. Her beaming personality, general kindness, and care for each person behind the bar are appreciated nightly by many Tony regulars. However, for the paint-and-sip newbies, her encouragement was an extra push in a positive direction.

There is a frequent crowd for Tuesday nights, and many brought a friend for the event. In Tony’s party room, onlooking the downtown, there were around ten painters, complete with regulars, friends, boyfriends, and even some mother-daughter duos. The energy from both Bayliff and Tera created a magical night for everyone involved. Although painting can be frustrating for some, Tera's constant motivation and helping hand put everyone at ease. This, in part, is due to the painting prompt and example being one of Teras own original Ideas. Tera noticed the unique details in each painting and was quick to help with any difficulty—her appreciation for the artwork shone through with every comment and conversation.

The paint and sip event also brought in some first-time visitors. If you previously thought of Tony’s as just a bar, you should also consider becoming a first-time visitor. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the warmth from behind the counter and the family-like gathering of people inside. The cozy and inviting atmosphere is partly emitted from Bayliff and her bubbly personality. However, Tony’s magic might also be due in part to the magic of Tipp City. The community is unique to that of a small town, and there’s no better place to experience the warmth of a place where everybody knows everyone than at your local watering hole, Tony’s Bada Bing. The Paint and Sip event was a success, and everyone is excited about the possibility of another one soon.