Beer tasting events have been popping up all over, but few have exploded on the scene as the Great Lakes Brew Fest in Racine. Entering its fifth year, the Great Lakes Brew Fest (GLBF) will attract nearly 4,000 fans of craft beer to Racine’s popular Festival Park lakefront setting on Sept. 13 from 3-7 p.m. The festival is a fundraiser for the Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps.
“We had hoped to attract a couple thousand people but we never expected to reach the level of attendance so quickly,” said John Casper, co-chairman. Last year attendees representing 12 states enjoyed samples of craft-brewed beer from more than 80 breweries. The event draws beer aficionados as well as craft beer novices. “I think what is so intriguing about the GLBF is that it draws a cross section of people; from the fans of the Kilties drum corps to hard-core craft beer lovers as well as those who just want to be a part of a great social event. The fellowship that has been created by our attendees is really neat.”
It is this combination of great beer and good cheer that keeps people coming back. “Our attendees have really become our ambassadors," Casper said. “They do more to promote the event to their friends and co-workers than we ever could.”
In addition to the vast array of beer to sample, the festival features food for sale by area restaurants, the Schooner Home Brew Championship and live music. The Roy Edwards Band will treat attendees to its danceable R&B music from 3-6 p.m. and the Kilties Drum & Bugle Corps will present their final performance of the 2008 season at 5:30 p.m.
The GLBF will hold its traditional “Win Free Beer for Year Raffle” where the winning ticket holder will carry out a grand prize of 12 cases of craft beer. Raffle tickets will be sold on the grounds for $1 each or 10 for $5. The raffle prizes will be announced at 6:30 p.m. with several runner-up prizes given out prior to the grand prize.
Tickets are available online or by mail. Admission is limited to 4,000 and includes unlimited 4 oz samples of beer. Ticket prices are: General Admission, $35; Group Admission (20 or more), $30 Designated Driver, $20. Designated drivers will be given complimentary craft soda throughout the day.
For more information on the Great Lakes Brew Fest or the Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps, visit www.greatlakesbrewfest.com or www.kilties.org.
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