Crown Beer Fest returns to Lake Couty Fairgrounds

CROWN POINT | The Crown Beer Fest will return to the Lake County Fairgrounds for the event’s fifth year May 17.

This year, there will be live music featuring Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Toronzo Cannon, a specialty beer booth sponsored by Beer Geeks Pub and a pre-beer fest 5K and bike ride.

Crown Brewing and Trek Bike Store will sponsor the bike ride, which is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon.

Following the ride, a 5K race sponsored by Fleet Feet and Crown Brewing will begin at noon. The beer fest runs from 1 to 6 p.m.

“Craft beer drinkers are a very active crowd, which means that Crown Brewing, Fleet Feet and Trek share quite a few customers,” Crown Brewing co-owner Chris Stanek said. “The idea to partner on a large event was the result of years of successful Pint Night Rides and fun runs. The ride and run will make for a complete festival experience at Crown Beer Fest.”

Crown Brewing and Trek Bike Store have been partnering for the Pint Night Bike Rides for several years now. The partnership began because of Stanek’s love of bikes and Trek Bike Store general manager Chad Wolfe’s love of beer.

The Pint Night Bike Ride now regularly draws more than 150 riders. Trek and Crown hope to draw even larger crowds for the new Crown Beer Fest Bike Ride.

“Adding the ride and run is a great way to kick off the day for Crown Beer Fest,” Stanek said.

There will be free and secure valet bike parking for festivalgoers provided by Trek.

For more information, visit www.crownbeerfest.com.

Register for the bike race at www.eventbrite.com/e/trekcrown-beerfest-ride-registration-10742624479.