08 Sep OktoBEERfest Highlights Work of Fort Wayne Area Homebrewers
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By Jaclyn Goldsborough of The News-Sentinel
Monday, September 8, 2014 – 9:25 am While craft beer festivals are all the rage nowadays, Mad Anthony Brewing Company has been sharing its passion for local and regional craft beer for 16 years. As it celebrates another OktoBEERfest this year, organizers are calling on Fort Wayne-area homebrewers to show off their skills. At this year’s festival, homebrewers are the spotlight as Mad Anthony partners with Brewer’s Art Supply for the Mad Brewers Challenge. The businesses are giving Fort Wayne-area homebrewers the chance to create, make and share their beer at the festival. The best part is that festival-goers get to pick who wins and who loses. The top 10 homebrewer recipes will be available to sample at OktoBEERfest, and each person gets one vote during the 2- 5 p.m. voting period. The winner’s beer will be served at Mad Anthony taprooms all over the region. The overall winner will be announced at the end of the festival. |
MORE INFORMATION
Get the details WHAT: OktoBEERfest WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 WHERE: Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., downtown Fort Wayne COST: Tickets to the event are $30 per person before the event or $35 the day of the festival. Tickets are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com or at Mad Anthony locations, and include unlimited craft beer samplings, a festival gift, live music and access to the Food Truck Alley. INFORMATION: Find out more information on the festival at www.madbrew.com or visit the Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/MadAnthonyBrewing. |
“It gives local homebrewers the chance of having one of their beers brewed commercially and served in our brewhouses,” Cox said. “For homebrewers, that’s their dream, having their brew on tap. So it’s also promoting homebrewing in the local community.”
To prepare for the event later in the week, organizers Wednesday are hosting a craft beer dinner at Old Crown Coffee Roasters, 3417 N. Anthony Blvd.
In addition, Mad Anthony is also hosting a golf outing at noon Friday at Bridgewater West Golf Course, 1740 N. Main St. in Auburn.
The price of the outing is $300 for four golfers and includes Mad Anthony beer, Shigs in Pit barbecue, a round of golf with a cart, snacks and other beverages.
Tickets are available at any Mad Anthony location.
People can also sign up for the Gears & Beers Pub Pedal starting at 11 a.m. Saturday before the festival begins.
A guide will take cyclists leisurely around downtown Fort Wayne watering holes for a chance to get a few drinks before the festival.
Tickets are $15 for the ride, or $45 for the ride and festival, and includes a T-shirt, discounted pints and a chance to win prizes.
Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com or at Mad Anthony locations.
The real fun starts at OktoBEERfest with the first beer tapping at 2 p.m. Saturday at Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St. in downtown Fort Wayne. Tickets to the event are $30 per person before the event or $35 the day of the festival.
Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com or at Mad Anthony locations, and include unlimited craft beer samplings, a festival gift, live music and access to the Food Truck Alley.
The beer list this year has also grown. The festival will feature 35 craft breweries and more than 100 different beers.
“Our festival is dedicated to promoting Indiana beer culture, and we do have some great new Indiana breweries present at the festival,” Cox said.
One of those breweries is 18th Street Brewery, which has been in recent statewide news because the business is growing, doubling its size near downtown Gary.
Where there is plenty of booze, there is also plenty of food because the festival will feature its own Food Truck Alley for the first time this year.
Bravas, Big John’s Ragin’ Cajun and Affine will be on hand slinging food for the hungry crowd.
Live music from Elements of Cosmos, Rogues & Bandits and Desert Train will be performing as well.
OktoBEERfest is the most elaborate festival of its kind here in the Fort Wayne area. With all the exciting new features at this year’s festival, people are encouraged by organizers to get tickets early and to make plans to drive safely.
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