It was a rough start to the morning. Rabid Brewing co-owner Raiye Rosado said there was a bit of panic setting in, as an early morning storm that could “decimate” the brewery’s adjacent “beer field” rolled through Homewood. And ever-shifting weekend storm forecasts threatened a festival Rosado had waited a few years to throw.
But the Goat Queen would not be denied her day. The clouds parted just before 2 p.m. Saturday, and from the moment the gates opened, the 2022 incarnation of Feast of the Goat Queen saw lines for beer, elaborate costumes and people more than ready to thread the needle of the weekend’s iffy weather in search of a good time.
“Everything’s flowing beautifully,” Rosado said. “The costumes are amazing. It’s everything I dreamed of. … It’s a beautiful day.”
The Feast returned for the first time since 2019. In addition to the food, Rabid’s beer was flowing, including Horus Reborn, an imperial quintuple IPA that clocks in at 16.5% alcohol by volume. The brewery also collaborated with David Nilsen of Bean to Barstool for Crown of Horns, a chocolate cream ale.
Costumes were encouraged at Feast of the Goat Queen, from elves and satyrs to wood nymphs and goblins. Leaf wreaths, wings and horns were a common sight on Saturday.
Rosado said the Feast was one of the first visions she and her husband, Tobias Cichon, had for the brewery.
“It’s the realization of a dream we had for probably 10 years,” Rosado said. “People love dressing up. Encouraging people to express themselves is never wrong. Never.”
Lori Barth, of Crete, was happy to take up Rosado on the opportunity. Barth’s attire and accessories incorporated hoofs to help celebrate another Feast of the Goat Queen.
“I live here; I’m one of the regulars of Rabid,” Barth said. “I love it. It’s amazing this year. Every year it’s just gotten better and more amazing.”
Live goats were another highlight of the festival. People were able to pet, feed, drink beer alongside or take photos with the goats.
Jo Ann Shults, of Deer Creek Farm in Glenwood, said it was the third time the business has brought goats to Rabid for the party. The goats are used to traveling and taking part in yoga classes — their main role on the farm, which also offers camping and sells duck and chicken eggs, as well as cut flowers.
“They’re used to people from yoga,” Shults said. “These guys have been to quite a few events.”
Bryan Beck, of Chicago, was part a group of friends who all dressed up for the occasion. They mostly came for the goats but enjoyed seeing the wide variety of art featured at the artisan market, which focused on the natural, mystical and magical.
“Everything about this screamed us — baby goats and beer,” Beck said. “The whole theme was on point.”
The market also had a table for the Illiana Derby Dames. And Amy Litviak, the team’s vice president who plays as Funfetti, could be spotted skating around the parking lot with butterfly wings. Litviak said she had to come out to support Rosado, who skates with the team as Your Mom.
“This is so much fun,” Litviak said. “That’s why I’m on skates out here and butterfly wings, helping a friend.”
The festivities were family-friendly until 7 p.m., when the music started and the Feast became ages 18 and older. Chicago area bands The Land Before Tim, The Tomblands, AM Howler and Naughty Neil Whitham brought a combination of ska-core, garage psych, blues and folk to the fest. South of Chi Productions also performed improv comedy.
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Jen Peterson, of Homewood, got the best of both worlds. Peterson made it a point to get to the Feast this year after missing it a few years back. The adults planned to return for the music at night, but the whole family came out for the daytime activities.
“We hang out here all the time,” Peterson said. “They wanted to see where we hang out.”
Up next on the summer events schedule for Rabid is the Homewood Science Center’s Summer Fest Fundraiser slated for 7-10 p.m. Thursday at the brewery, 17759 Bretz Drive, Homewood. More information is at homewoodsciencecenter.org.
Bill Jones is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.