Guest Post: LeRoy Takes In Valpo Brewfest

Today's update comes from a Hoosier Beer Geek reader from up north. LeRoy Bowman attended and worked this weekend's Valpo Brewfest, and was kind enough to email us this report.

Dear Hoosier Beer Geek,

Were there any members of KOTBR in attendance at the Valpo Brewfest? I am sorry if no one was able to attend, as it was a pretty good event.

I have to say hats off to the organizers, as it was sold out (1500 tickets sold)! Not bad for a first time event. Luckily, the weather held up, as it was an outside event. It was windy and chilly (low 50's). In spring, Crown Point had its own Mayfest (about 950 attendees). I believe the organizers of the Valpo Brewfest saw how that one did, and made some improvements with having a local restaurant serving food under a large tent with tables and chairs for people to eat at. A band was in attendance to perform also. Some area breweries that were at the Mayfest did not attend Valparaiso (Flossmoor Station, Brickstone, and Shoreline), due to their own events scheduled. Indiana breweries in attendance were: Barley Island, Peoples Brewing, Lafayette, Crown Brewing, Figure 8, Oaken Barrel, Upland, and Mishawaka. Other breweries included; Bell's, Goose Island, Lakefront, Rogue, Magic Hat, New Belgium, Brooklyn, Dogfish Head, New Holland, Sierra Nevada, and others. Many breweries brought their standards, but some brought a few specialty brews. Sierra Nevada brought Jack and Ken's 30th anniversary barleywine--which was the only keg of that beer in Indiana.

One of the local homebrew clubs (Illiana Beer Rackers Union), in which I am a member, was in attendance also. This was a great honor for us, as we were able to hand out samples of our own beers to patrons and other breweries. Quite a few members donated beer in 5 gallon kegs, 22 oz. bottles, and half gallon growlers for sampling. Our initial beer list was approved by organizers, and it seemed they were impressed with what we had to offer. I believe this opened the eyes of some, as many people in our area do not realize most brewers at microbreweries first started brewing a home.

My hope is that with the number of attendees at both Mayfest and Valparaiso Brewfest, both events will improve and grow in numbers breweries, brews, and patrons next year.

Cheers,

LeRoy Bowman

We'd like to thank LeRoy for taking the time to keep us informed. We're invite any HBG readers to fill us in on anything we've missed - keep those emails coming!