Berkshires biggest beer festival on tap
DALTON — Hundreds of beer lovers from the Berkshires and beyond will be getting their craft brew fix this weekend. The 8th annual craft beer festival sponsored by Kelly’s Package Store is set to take place this Saturday, August 24 from 2pm to 6pm at Holiday Brook Farm in Dalton.
The event will feature over 150 craft beers from more than 50 domestic and European breweries. Featured brewers include local and regional favorites like BBC, Big Elm and Green River Ambrosia, as well as the popular big ones like Sierra Nevada and Blue Moon.
One of the highlights this year will be Jack’s Abby, a brewery based in Framingham, MA that specializes in lager styles. They will be providing a cask of their distinctive lagers.
“This year we’re super excited to have a cask from Jack’s Abby,” said Kelly’s employee Jason Dennis. “It definitely will be one of the biggest attractions at the festival.”
Another highlight will be Amherst Brewing Company (ABC). A popular brewery in the Pioneer Valley, ABC will be making its Berkshire debut at the festival.
Two large tents will be set up, with over a dozen vendor tables inside each tent. People can go around to different tables and sample various beers, and they can mark down their favorites on a “scorecard” that lists all the beers.
New this year will be the implementation of reusable cups and rinsing stations. “This year we’re trying to be more environmentally conscious by going with reusable cups,” Mr. Dennis explained.
Musical entertainment will be provided by local band Lady Di and the Dukes, and Ozzie’s Steak and Eggs will be selling food from its catering truck.
The event is a fundraiser for the Dalton CRA, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to support this local community organization. Kelly’s Package Store is hoping the beer festival will bring in thousands of dollars for the CRA.
According to Kelly’s staff, hundreds of people usually turn out for the festival, the largest craft beer fest between Springfield and Albany. People come from all over the region ready to try out the best craft beers around.
“It’s our and many of our breweries’ favorite event, because there’s nothing like being on a scenic farm in the Berkshires sampling craft beer from all over the world,” said Mr. Dennis. “We expect a great turnout and a fun time.”
Tickets can be purchased for $25 at Kelly’s Package Store through Friday, or can be bought at the event for $30. For updates and all the latest on the festival, check out Kelly’s on Facebook and Twitter.
Posted by Dana Drugmand
on August 22, 2013. Filed under Community Events,News.
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