FIRST-EVER MONROE COUNTY BREWFEST A SUCCESS
FIRST-EVER MONROE COUNTY BREWFEST A SUCCESS
The 1st Annual Monroe County Brewfest, a combined effort of the Monroe News and Flat Rock Speedway, benefited from great early fall weather and attracted a crowd estimated at over 600.
A broad selection of 100 different craft beers were available for sampling and attendees were generally impressed with the variety of flavors on hand. “It sure seems to be a good selection of craft beers,” said attendee James Breitner.
Andrew Rothen said he enjoys craft beer, so he decided to attend the event. “This is a great event,” said Rothen. “It should definitely happen again.”
Monroe News advertising manager Jeanine Bragg said the event was popular with local crowds. About 60 volunteers helped out on the day of the event and 219 pre-sale tickets were sold. She said organizers knew a beer festival would be popular with the public. Since it was the first year of the event, organizers sought guidance form other Michigan beer festivals. “We modeled it after a newspaper in Lapeer which has done this for a couple years,” she said. “We developed ours around theirs. Attendance was above our goal, so we feel we really have something to build on.”
Live music was provided by Monroe County based bands Jack and the Bear from 5-7pm and the Gypsies, featuring Hunter Brucks and Gunner Ross, from 8-10pm. Food was also available at the event, which was held in the grass infield of the Speedway from 4-10pm Saturday Sept. 24.
“Events like this are popular all over the country,” said Flat Rock Speedway GM Scott Schultz. “It lends variety to the type of event we can offer at our venue. It gives us the opportunity to utilize the facility for a non-racing event.”
Sponsors of the event include Monroe Dodge Superstore, LaRoy Door, Joe Bellino, Northside Bar & Grill, Jake’s Liquor, Hi-Lite Fresh Market, Larson’s Bar & Grill, St. Pierre Ace Hardware, Forest View Bar & Grill, La-Z-Boy and DTE Energy.
Draft breweries in Michigan increased from 105 in 2011 to 205 in 2015. Michigan produces the 10th-most craft beer of any state. In addition, Michigan is the 4th-largest producer of hops in the United States.
Officials indicated plans are in the works for a 2nd annual event next fall.
Click here for more photos: http://www.flatrockspeedway.com/photos/2354922