Brewing something new for downtown

Brewing something new for downtown

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Brew Fest combines craft beer, music, art to add to Anderson’s culture

By Kelly Dickey of The Herald Bulletin

ANDERSON — Brew crews from across the state are making their way to Anderson this weekend.

The city’s inaugural Brew Fest will feature craft beer from at least 13 Hoosier breweries from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Anderson Town Center Plaza on Meridian Street across from Paramount Theatre.

The 21-and-older event is a way to combine good beer, food, music and art, Festival Director Shanna Henry said.

“I think Anderson is in need of a cultural boost,” she said. “This is some kind of a spotlight that shows we have talent here and it’s a nice event that highlights a lot of the good things we have here.”

Thirteen Indiana breweries are confirmed to be at the event, Henry said. She’s waiting for confirmation for a few others.

Vendors include Sun King Brewery, Bier Brewery, Indiana City Brewing Company and Triton Brewing Company.

A general admission ticket will give patrons an unlimited number of 3-ounce beers. A cheaper “sober driver” ticket will grant admission, but not alcohol. All attendees must be at least 21 years old.

The Stampede String Band is headlining the musical entertainment, with local acts Chicago Typewriters, Yukon Fox, Apathy Wizards and Alex Wnek also performing.

Food from Tommy J’s and the Big Easy and Big Joe’s food trucks will be available for purchase, too.

But a big part of contributing to Anderson’s culture with this event, Henry said, is featuring work from local artists. That’s why she and fellow organizers Chris Corona, Audra Sternberg, Jenni Thompson and Sharon Zimmer decided not to charge artists for booths to display their work.

Henry, who is an artist and helped with the Walking Man project, said although there are some places for people to display their creations, Brew Fest is a way to reach a new audience.

“It will give people exposure and if their talent is showcased then maybe it will have a trickle effect (on the community,” she said.

Henry said Beer Fest will not only add to the creative culture of Anderson, but the potential growth of the city.

“Even with the networking it’s been phenomenal; the feedback and support from the community wanting things to get better and make us feel proud about where they live again,” Henry said. “One event won’t do that, but it will be attractive to other businesses.”

Henry said she believes in cross marketing, and she feels Beer Fest is the perfect opportunity. A lot of people who are into the craft beer culture are also into art and creativity, she said, and the festival brings it all together.

She said the bigger purpose is giving something to the community.

“One thing I keep saying is we’re continuing this creative revolution,” she said. “Let’s keep on it, even if it’s small.”

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 the day of the event. “Sober driver” tickets for people who don’t want to drink are $10. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.ca, through a link on andersonbrewfest.com or at two Anderson Keg-N-Bottle locations, 1406 Park Road and 2206 E. Sixth St.

If you go… What: Anderson Brew Fest When: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday Where: Anderson Town Center Plaza on Meridian Street across from Paramount Theatre Cost: $25 in advance, $30 the day of and $10 for a “Sober Driver” ticket. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.ca, through a link on andersonbrewfest.com or at two Anderson Keg-N-Bottle locations, 1406 Park Road and 2206 E. Sixth St. Confirmed brewers: Flat 12 Breweries, Fountain Square Brewing Company, Bier Brewery, Cutters Brewing Company, People’s Brewing Company, Indiana City Brewing Company, Granite City Food & Brewery, Taxman Brewing Company, Triton Brewing Company, Quaff On! Brewing Company, Scarlet Lane Brewing Company, Sun King Brewery and Mad Anthony Brewing Company.


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