While many beer festivals can be an elbow-to-elbow mass vying to get to the front of each brewer’s line for a taste, the Midwest Brewers Brawl on Saturday at Fox Memorial Park in LaPorte figures to be much more comfortable.
“We are capping it at about 300 people so guests can avoid the large crowds and enjoy a low-key atmosphere,” said Tom Baumbach, a member of the NWI Leaders Young Professional Network, which is hosting the event. “It’s small compared to most other beer fests, which we consider a selling point. You’re not fighting in lines to taste the beers you want to taste. You have time to talk to the brewers, and at other festivals you really can’t do that because of the line. You have to shuffle along.”
Brewers presenting their beers include Evil Czech from Mishawaka, Ironwood from Valparaiso, Iechyd Da from Elkart, Shoreline Brewery from Michigan City, Crooked Ewe of South Bend, Burn ‘Em Brewing of Michigan City, Four Fathers Brewing of Valparaiso, Vice District Brewing Co. of Chicago, Pleasant House Brewery from Three Oaks, Mich., and Round Barn of Baroda, Mich.
“This is our third year hosting the event, which was previously held at Washington Park in Michigan City, but this year we have moved to LaPorte since they hadn’t had any beer fests in the past, so we decided to move to Fox Park at the Amphitheater,” Baumbach said.
Baumbach said brewers also will compete for awards in different categories, as well as a Best of Brawl audience award.
Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Warriors First Foundation of Michigan City, which serves the health and well being needs of military community’s active duty and retired personnel by providing financial support, recreational therapy, housing and transportation assistance. There will be two musicians playing during the event and two food vendors, along with door prizes and raffles.
Tickets are $30 at the door and $50 for VIP, which includes a free T-shirt and entry one hour early.
Heather Augustyn is a freelance writer.
Midwest Brewers Brawl
2 to 6 p.m. Saturday; VIP 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday
Fox Memorial Park, LaPorte
Tickets: $30 general admission, $50 VIP
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