The popular Bradford Brewfest, returning for its fifth consecutive year, will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. today at St. Bernard School on West Washington Street in Bradford.
Tickets are $25 apiece, and will be available at the door.
Ticket prices include a souvenir sampling glass, ten brew sample tickets and a door prize ticket, according to Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) Executive Director Kara Kennedy. Designated driver tickets, which are available at the door for $10, include complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments.
“Ticket sales have been busy this week, and we anticipate a great turnout tonight,” Kennedy told The Era. “There should also still be a good number of tickets available at the door for people who haven’t had a chance to stop in to the office or contact us in advance. But overall, we’ve heard from a lot of people who have enjoyed this event since it began four years ago, and we expect a lot of enthusiasm from those coming out for a fun evening!”
Bradford Brewfest, one of the Chamber’s annual fundraising events, is coordinated by the BACC and Signature Sponsor Glenwood Beer Distributors, along with support from sponsors Bradford Travel Service, Proforma Econo Advertising, Dr. Green Lawn, and the Blaisdell Foundation.
The event is designed to offer attendees the chance to sample a wide variety of craft beers, and to introduce new flavors that patrons may want to taste before they buy.
“The line-up of beverages for the event is different each year, but features a range of options from traditional brew styles (IPAs, ales, porters, etc.) to current trends — which this year include a variety of hard sodas and a spiked and sparkling hard seltzer line, as well as new flavors from breweries around the region and beyond,” Kennedy described.
For example, this year Ithaca Beer Co. will offer samplings of Midnight Sun Black Lager, Green Trail IPA and a limited time Raspberry Soiree — a spring seasonal with a unique blend of tart and sweetness. Hamburg Brewing Co. will have their Hoppenstance Double IPA and Small Town Belgian Style Saison Ale. And rounding out the hard soda category, the event will feature Wild Sit Russ alcoholic citrus soda and Wild Ginger alcoholic ginger beer from W.G. Brewing, among many other styles and breweries.
Additional features of the Bradford Brewfest will include live music by The Inexpensive Winos, a variety of foods for sale by local restaurants, door prizes and raffles.
“We are fortunate to partner with Glenwood Beer Distributors, who came to us with this event concept in 2013,” Kennedy noted. “It’s a great way to promote their products, while helping to raise funds for the Chamber and provide a fun experience for people within the community.”
In order to alleviate parking concerns, a motorcoach shuttle service will be available again this year, added Kennedy. A Covered Wagon Tours motor coach, provided by Bradford Travel, will run beginning at 6 p.m. at the former Parkview parking lot on West Washington Street and take passengers to the Brewfest at St. Bernard School.
The motorcoach will pick up and drop off passengers approximately every twenty minutes until 9 p.m. The last return shuttle to the overflow parking lot will depart the school at approximately 9:30 p.m.
“Parking is always one of the challenges faced when planning an event of this size,” Kennedy explained. “Our hope is that the shuttle will not only alleviate parking concerns, but also allow Brewfest attendees to experience a relaxed ride in a luxury tour motor coach.”
All attendees must be 21 or older, and organizers emphasize the importance that everyone must bring appropriate identification. IDs will be checked at the entrance.
Everyone attending must register at the entrance to receive their wristband designating full ticket or designated driver. Wristbands are required in order for attendants to be served any beverage or food at the event.
For more information about the Bradford Brewfest, contact the Chamber at (814) 368-7115, or email Kennedy at kara.kennedy@bradfordchamber.com.
