The story was originally published in The Sylva Herald, March 30 edition
“What author described an 1897 report of his death as an “exaggeration”?
Groups of three or four huddled around tables to discuss the answer, speaking quietly so other teams could not hear. Once satisfied, the teams marked their response on the answer sheet.
“Mark Twain!” announced James Houtzer, trivia host at Balsam Falls Brewing Co.
The response was mixed as Houtzer announced the correct answers. Some teams cheered excitedly, while others slammed their fist on the table.
The question was one of 80 when Balsam Falls Brewing Co. in Sylva held a trivia night on March 15 from 7:30-9:30 p.m., as they do every Tuesday night.
There were eight categories with 10 questions each for a total of 80 questions. The categories included general knowledge, current events, 2000s sci-fi movies, guess the song, and more. Eight teams participated in the trivia.
During the day, Houtzer can be found at Western Carolina University working as the Assistant Director for Operations for the Department of Campus Activities. On Tuesday nights, however, Houtzer is hosting trivia nights at Balsam Falls Brewing Co.
“I’ll always be here doing trivia night every Tuesday unless I’m dead or arrested,” said Houtzer.
John Miele, owner of the Golden Carp in Dillsboro, has been coming to trivia night for months.
“It’s fun when they have questions for old people,” Miele joked. “They also never have any art or fashion categories.”
Miele is a member of the Golden Seoul trivia team. According to Miele, Golden Seoul was created by combining the trivia teams Golden Carp and Silver Seoul.
“Beer Brains Trivia was the first weekly event that Balsam Falls offered,” Balsam Falls owner Laurie Bryson said. “It started shortly after we opened in 2017 and has been our most popular event.”
According to Bryson, the bar also hosts other events such as wine tastings, live music, and a monthly “Paint and Pour” event where participants learn to how to paint pre-selected designs.
Everyone is welcome to participate in trivia night. Those interested in participating can make a reservation by emailing info@balsamfallsbrewing.com.
Other establishments such as Innovation Brewing Company and Nantahala Brewing Company also host trivia nights. Innovation Brewing Company hosts trivia every Monday at 7 p.m. First and second place will win a prize. Nantahala Brewing Company hosts trivia on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Gift cards are given out to first, second, and third place.
A full list of local trivia events can be found on the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center website.
