The annual Chardon BrewFest continues to grow in size and scope as it prepares to offer its beer-tasting event this fall.But the better news for…
The annual Chardon BrewFest continues to grow in size and scope as it prepares to offer its beer-tasting event this fall.
But the better news for the event’s organizers is that it’s proved to be safe for Chardon, as some of the fears residents originally had about its creation were never realized.
No arrests. No traffic incidents. No disturbance of the public, says Steve Turpin, the lead organizer and a vice president of the host, Chardon Tomorrow.
When BrewFest was first proposed in 2012, Chardon Tomorrow had wanted it on Chardon Square. However, objections by some — and a 3-3 Chardon City Council vote, rejecting the location — caused the group to relocate the event to the Eltech Building on 7th Avenue.
Since then, BrewFest has thrived, adding a 5K?Suds Run, increasing food and bands and brewers and drawing 1,200 last year, despite rainy weather.
Still, Turpin thinks the event can and should draw hundreds more.
“I?really thought we would have 1,500 or 1,600 by this time,” he said, comparing it to the Tremont Ale Fest on the west side of Cleveland.
Turpin thinks he knows part of that reason, and it stems from some of the original objections.
“We’re an older crowd,” he said. “There are less younger people with disposable income living out this way.”
This year’s Sept. 19 BrewFest will continue to try and attract that younger crowd.
Beer lovers will have the chance to sample more than 70 craft brews from some of Ohio’s finest breweries and several other states, according to Turpin.
The festival, from noon to 5 p.m., will feature 25 micro-brewers at the Eltech Building, 100 7th Ave., located off state Route 44, six miles south of Interstate 90.
While hoppy beers like India Pale Ale have been popular, Turpin said, he has asked the brewers to expand the selection to other styles, like porters.
“For real beer geeks, there will be a cask ale,”?Turpin said, explaining cask ale uses natural fermentation and isn’t articifially carbonated or chilled.
The bands Miserable Idiot, Sorta Blues and Stray Louie will provide live music. The Geauga Music Center will perform in between bands.
Food will be available from Chardon area restaurants, including Cleats, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Maple City Taps & Eatery, Morgan’s on the Square and Square Bistro.
And Chardon Tomorrow will serve bratwurst cooked in local Chardon BrewWorks Working Man Pale Ale.
Cornhole, a 50-50 raffle and other entertainment also will be featured.
Advance admission is $25 and includes 15 tastings and a beer tasting glass. Price is $35 day of the event. You can also buy them in town at Beans Coffee Shop & Bistro, BrewWorks and the Geauga Music Center.
For those not drinking, there is a designated drivers admission for $10, which includes a mug and unlimited soft drinks.
The event also kicks off with the second annual Chardon BrewFest 5K Run for Suds, which begins at 10 a.m. Race-day registration is from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Heinen’s, 402 Center St.
The run will wind through downtown Chardon and will end near the BrewFest site. Cost to enter the race is $15 in advance and $20 on race day.
A combined run and BrewFest ticket is $25 in advance and $30 on race day. The race/BrewFest package includes six tastings and a tasting glass.
For race entry and for the race/BrewFest package, visit chardontomorrow.org or www.greaterclevelandxc.com.
Presenting sponsors are Heinen’s, Junction Auto Family, Red Wine & Brew and Scene Magazine.
Additional sponsors include: Geauga County Maple Leaf, Bean’s Coffee Shop & Bistro, Clemson Portable Restroom Service, DiFranco Insurance, Seventh Avenue Management, Universal Disposal, Big Creek/News Herald, Premium Vapors, First National Bank, Roediger Chiropractic and Lakeshore Insurance.
For more information about the race and BrewFest, go to www.chardontomorrow.org or call 440-273-3077.
Proceeds benefit Chardon Tomorrow, a nonprofit civic organization dedicated to the historic preservation and development of Chardon.
