10 FOR PROOF
Foolproof Brewing to mark 10th anniversary
PAWTUCKET – Get your taste buds ready and put on your dancin’ shoes.
Officials with the Foolproof Brewing Co., the oldest brewery in the city, is putting the finishing touches on what will be its ninth Augtoberfest event, something manager John Windle calls “Pawtucket’s massive parking lot party,” and it’s slated for next Saturday, Aug. 13, from 1-6 p.m.
“We had it last year, and it went really well, but we couldn’t have one the year before, for obvious reasons,” he said during Happy Hour in the taproom, located at 241 Grotto Ave., late last Thursday afternoon. “This should be the 10th annual, but we’re expecting to have a terrific time anyway.
“We opened our doors in December of 2012, and the following August, we decided to have our first Augtoberfest,” he said. “I wasn’t here then, but the concept was to get a jump on Oktoberfest by having something fun while it was still hot out.
“Summer in Rhode Island is worth celebrating,” he added. “We’ve had years where we’ve had to turn away people for not having tickets, and cost was sometimes a barrier to entry. The $10 ticket price this year avoids that. I want everyone to feel included and welcome to stay and join in the fun. The $10 ticket is significantly cheaper than in past years.”
Windle, who grew up in Dighton, lives in Pawtucket and has been working with Foolproof for over five years now, said ducats in the past were upwards of $40 or more; that’s because they had what he called a “tiered system” he called King, Queen, Jester and the like, where a ticket also begot an approximate 20-ounce glass stein, free drink coupons and other amenities.
This year’s $10 price tag includes price of admission and one free drink, though there’s a whole lot more on tap during this summer’s fest. For folks interested in purchasing one of those glass steins – or a Foolproof logo or
jester T-shirt, etc. – those will be on sale as well. The steins cost $10 and T-shirts $20, but there are other items.
Windle says Augtoberfest would be nothing without live music, so he’s bringing in The Kickin’ Brass Band, which is slated to play from about 1-3 p.m., and The Pogs, which will follow suit until about 5:30 p.m.
All the while, three food trucks will feed the hungry dancers/attendees. They include the Cluck Truck, which will serve up fried chicken, tenders, fries, etc; La Costa, with menu items including tacos and lobster; and Top Dogs & Catering, which will provide not only what the name provides but also Marcello’s bratwurst that is made with Foolproof’s own Backyahd IPA.
“We’ve had all three at some of our previous events, so we know each other well,” Windle said. “They’re all great people.”
The featured beer will be Foolproof’s “Augtoberfest,” a German-style Marzen lager, a medium-bodied amber beverage that he calls quite light at six percent ABV.
“It’s got a toasty, crisp character to it,” he said. “We’ll also have a couple of beer slushes that we’ll make during the course of the day, but I will not say what flavors. We want to entice the attendees while they’re right here.”
During the event, people may go inside to beat the heat and get one of 20 beers on tap, including Foolproof’s renowned Ocean State Lager, Amber or IPA, while cans will be available for purchase outside at one of the beer booths.
“The Ocean State brands are all ‘session’ beers, which means because
they have lower ABV, people can sit around, talk, laugh and enjoy them for a while with their friends,” he said, explaining mixed 12-packs of the Ocean State varieties should be available both at the brewery and your favorite package store in September.
“Operating has been more of a challenge in recent weeks due to inflation and supply-chain issues,” he admitted. “We couldn’t get grain or CO2 for a while; they’re talking about a looming CO2 shortage. In fact, Night Shift Brewing Co. in Everett, Mass. is having to reconsider its strategy because of that shortage, but we’re doing OK. We’re keeping the lights on.
“We’re still serving our friends and neighbors, as they’ve been so loyal, and we appreciate them.”
“Augtoberfest,” however, isn’t the sole event Foolproof is planning this year, as, on Oct. 8, they will conduct
a Steinbier/Pig Roast fete outside the business’ front doors.
“Everyone had a blast last year, and our yield was tremendous,” Windle said. “People had a great time, and it was fun to watch; this is only the second time we’ve had it. People actually wanted to get involved with the brewing of the Steinbier.
“It’s more of a method than a style,” he continued. “Last year, it was an English barley wine style, smoky and caramelly, full-bodied. I actually put on reserve a couple of kegs from last year, so we’ll have them on tap at this year’s event.”
Then there’s the 10th anniversary party, slated for Saturday, Dec. 10, though Windle still isn’t clear on details.
“We traditionally call our anniversary fete ‘Barrel Reserve Night,’ but this year we’re calling it ‘Bottle Reserve Night,’ as we’ve discontinued our barrel program,” he said. “That
will entail selling special bottles of very limited edition Foolproof beers. Our goal is to have many different options, and we’ve already started making some of them.
“I’m still working on ironing out the details of food items and entertainment, and we’re mulling over the price of tickets, but I know our customers will be satisfied. We’ve also got a couple of tricks up our sleeves to surprise our customers and guests.”
As for Augtoberfest, complimentary entry will be granted to designated drivers, and Foolproof will be offering a discounted Uber code to ensure every partygoer makes it home safely.
To purchase tickets for Augtoberfest, visit https://shop.brewerycollective.net/collections/foolproof-brewing-events/products/ autoberfest-2022.