The Inaugural Anderson Brewfest – A Good Festival Made Great By More Than Just The Beer

Despite not yet having a brewery of its own, the city of Anderson, IN hosted a Brewfest this past weekend right in the heart of downtown Anderson.  Being the first year for the festival, the dedicated organizers were able to bring an array of musicians, vendors, and breweries together to represent Indiana as well as their great city. The day was perfect and spirits were high.  It was a very successful event that had the Dump Buckets wanting to attend more of these intimate beer festivals around this great state in the near future.

Lines for the breweries grew quickly, but there was never a long wait in order to fill your glass with one of the many delicious beers.  We really enjoyed having the Hefeweizen from Fountain Square Brewery, as well as the selection of Rye beers brought by other breweries in attendance such as the awesome Crosstown Rye-vals Roggen-Dunkelweiss collaboration between Flat 12 and Triton Brewery.  Taxman Brewing Company brought a selection of Belgian style beers that really stood out to us, making us want to schedule a brewery visit as soon as we can.

Another brewery that made a big splash at this event was 2014 newcomer Scarlet Lane Brewing Company from McCordsville.  Bringing their Vivian Red IPA, Saison De Silas, and fan favorite Dorian Stout, many talked about getting their first taste only to immediately jump back in line for another sample.  The buzz for the brewery was even going strong before the event’s start due to the strategically-placed Scarlet Lane hearse parked near the front entrance.  The hearse is cleverly used for keg deliveries.

Whenever a break from drinking was needed, there were plenty of enjoyable distractions to keep the attendees entertained.  Live music was playing throughout the festival and at no time was it overwhelming.  If desired, attendees could stand around the stage, sit back at nearby tables, or even enjoy the tunes while waiting in line for the next refill. There were also plenty of art vendors in attendance that was a great welcome to the festivities.  Along with knitting (www.facebook.com/CrookedHookers) and theater companies (www.mainstagetheatre.org), Iron Tendencies brought some incredible custom furniture (www.irontendencies.com) and Park Place Arts even had rustic handmade 6-pack holders made from reclaimed materials (www.parkplacearts.com).

I had the honor of being a part of this great event in more ways than one.  Not only did I get to sample the brews with friends, I was one of the many art vendors at the festival.  When I started to get into the craft beer culture, I was surprised by the welcome feeling that I received from the community.  To show my appreciation, I started my ongoing painting series of Bars, Breweries, and all things Beer.  The craft beer community has made sure to show their appreciation by letting me take part in amazing events like the Anderson Brewfest.  The support that I received was awesome, and I am grateful for all of the outstanding comments that I received for my paintings. To see some of the paintings, check out my site at www.JJMArtwork.com.

With all of the large beer fests that take place in Indiana each year, it was great to be present for a more intimate festival like the Anderson Brewfest.  We applaud the dedication of the organizers.  The location had a great atmosphere, was easy to get to, and offered plentiful parking.  The breweries in attendance showed the diversity of beer across our state, and the patrons were just as diverse.  The growth of Indiana’s thirst for beer alongside the developing industry was represented wonderfully, and we hope to make it back for the Anderson Brewfest’s second year.