Metrowest Brewfest was a Huge Success

by Paul Saulnier 10/15/11

HBA's Brewfest 2011

By all accounts, the Holliston Business Association's Metrowest Brewfest exceeded expectations, which were set high from the start.

In partnership with Holliston resident Larry Giargiari, Jr, co-owner of Fifth Avenue Liquors, the HBA sought to raise money for the Community Action fund, a charity started by the HBA about a year ago.

(above, l to r, Theresa Cambell, Ellen Orne, and Larry Gargiari Jr)

Theresa Cambell, owner of Speak Well, Standout, chaired the committee of HBA members who worked over the summer to make this a memorable event. Fifth Avenue Liquors arranged to have 28 microbrewers participate in the tasting event which featured about 90 different microbrews. I lost count.

Fans of microbrews filled the Historical Society barn and a tent from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

Under an adjacent tent, brewers shared space with three local bands who donated their time to entertain and help raise money for the Community Action Fund. The bands were Groovestone, Hillbilly Pop and Morris Less and the Stray Tones.

Each ticket holder received a 5-ounce mug and a wrist band that entitled them to sample any microbrew as often as he or she cared to. The vendors pouring the beers were TIPS certified so no one was allowed to over sample the inventory. Vendors were very knowledgable about their beer and were happy to answer questions or just talk to people about the microbrewing industry and where their beer was available locally.

HollistonReporter.com sponsored Mayflower Brewing Company, appropriately made in Plymouth, MA. Brian McCarthy, above right, has worked at Mayflower for three years and explained that Mayflower actually grows the hops that they put in their microbrew.

Some brewers were represented by distributors who also were happy to answer questions about their beer. This young lady said that these tasting events are becoming so popular thar she is on the road as much as five days a week.

Ellen Orne, Ellco Promotions, produced the tee shirt (above) that displayed all the brewers and the local businesses that sponsored them.

The event was such a success that it may have outgrown the historical society site for next year's Second Annual Metrowest Brewfest. Preliminary results indicate that the event grossed about $12,500.00 for the HBA's Community Action Fund. The HBA is very grateful for the efforts of Larry Giargiari, Jr., Fifth Avenue Liquors and all the brewers who helped make Metrowest Brewfest a huge success. And let's not forget the fans of microbrews who parted with a few of their hard-earned dollars to support the HBA's Community Action Fund.

Posted in Marketplace.

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