Good crowd turns out for brewfest at fairgrounds in Lewiston

By Kerri Sandaine of the Tribune

Sunday, August 30, 2009

The Nez Perce County Fairgrounds were hopping Saturday afternoon as barley fans lined up for beer samples.

With 26 beers on tap, the first Northwest Best Brewfest in Lewiston attracted hundreds of suds lovers. By late afternoon, brew crew volunteers estimated the number of partakers at close to 700.

Organizers Lee and Angie McVey of Northwest Best Entertainment were pleased with the crowd that came through the gate.

"We've been to a few brewfests and we always pictured how nice it would be to do one at this outdoor venue," said Lee McVey. "Anytime you have guys in kilts, and beer, it's a good time."

The kilts were worn by the Lewiston Firefighters Pipes and Drums, which provided some of the day's live music, along with guitarist Mark Rudd, the Simon Tucker Group and others.

The McVeys said a portion of the proceeds was going to local firefighters for their "Fill-the-Boot" fundraiser that benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Firefighters also sold food for the cause and helped pour beer at the event.

Beer drinkers seemed happy with the featured brews, which came from Lewiston, Clarkston, Dayton, Waitsburg and other Northwest breweries.

"I think it's awesome," said LeeAnn Hostetler, 52, of Asotin, who was sipping some River Rat Red. "The valley's growing, and events need to grow too. People need more to do than watch television and eat Chinese food."

Tom Scher, 44, of Clarkston, was enjoying a Blonde Moment. "It's tasty," he said of the brew. "Beer is a food group, you know."

"Beer is a preservative," Hostetler said.

Amy Hawkins, 37, of Lewiston, said she liked seeing the wide range of ages at the brewfest. When asked about the beer, she had no trouble deciding her favorite. "I'm addicted to the strawberry cream ale."

Another popular choice was Summer Orange, which was gone in no time.

Pete Broyles, a co-owner of Riverport Brewing Co. in Clarkston, unveiled a new brew, Steelhead Red, made especially for a steelhead fishing derby that takes place in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley in the fall. "I've been to a lot of beer festivals," Broyles said. "This is a good turn-out."

Some folks gathered in groups near the taps, while others lounged in the shade, listening to the live music. Kids were allowed at the event, and several strollers were in the crowd.

Root beer and other soft drinks were available, in addition to nachos, beans and hot dogs. Beer drinkers paid $10 for a pint glass and five beer tastes.

Teresa Anderson, 57, of Lewiston, walked to the brewfest with her mom. "I think the venue is awesome," she said. "I'm Scottish, so I love the bagpipers. These guys are really good."

Her mother, Inez Anderson, 76, thought the warm weather and cold Red River Ale were a winning combination. "It's just perfect."

Free rides home in a 21-passenger bus were sponsored by Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home. Passengers could be delivered to their doorsteps anywhere in the valley. "We want this to be a safe event," Lee McVey said. "With the free rides, there's no excuses."

Angie McVey said they did a lot of research before launching their first brewfest. "We want to do this again," she said. "We hope it will be an annual event."

"We like doing events," her husband added. "When I first moved here, I'd always hear how there's nothing to do. We want to make sure there's always something to do in Lewiston."

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Sandaine may be contacted at kerris@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2264.