Sly Fox holds annual Bock Fest and Goat Race.
There must be something in the water at the Leskin place.
For three years in a row now, the family has claimed the first placewinning goat at the annual Sly Fox Brewery Bock Fest and Goat Race. On top of that, this year’s winner, the 3-year-old Nubian named Blue Hazel successfully defended the title she earned last year. The brewery’s newest Maibock beer once again takes its name after her to commemorate her victory Sunday.
“It feels good; it’s a good time,” said Joseph Leskin, 45, Blue Hazel’s owner and handler. “It’s always good coming down here and running the goats.”
After several heats of races, finally it came down to the finale. Five competing goats and their handlers charged past the finish line, but it was Leskin who threw his arms into the air in victory to the roar of the crowd.
Meanwhile, Blue Hazel munched on some seeds, seemingly oblivious to her second year of triumph.
Leskin then tapped the first Blue Hazel keg and shared a drink with brewmaster Brian O’Reilly, who once again served as master of ceremonies. Leskin said he planned on buying more of the brew.
“Not a years supply,” he said. “Probably a case or two here and there. It’s nice. The kids have really enjoyed it. So do I.”
“I think it’s pretty cool,” O’Reilly said. “It’s fun because people get to know the name too. So it’s not just an arbitrary name. So we’re psyched for it.”
Hundreds lined the fences of both sides of the approximately 50-meter stretch of grass as more than 40 goats sprinted from one end to the other during the various heats. The rules of a goat race are simple: a human handler
“I think it’s pretty cool. It’s fun because people get to know the name too. So it’s not just an arbitrary name. So we’re psyched for it.” — Brian O’Reilly, Sly Fox brew master and goat race master of ceremonies, on Blue Hazel’s victory
must hold onto the leash of the goat throughout the entire race; the handler cannot pull the goat across the finish line, and the goat must be the one to cross the finish line before the handler.
In between the heats was a hops sack race. The winner, Brian Kroll, of Phoenixville, did a front flip as he crossed the finish line.
“It felt awesome,” he said.
To keep the crowd in good spirits, Kermit Ohlinger, dressed in traditional lederhosen, played his accordion and sang throughout the various races. Grammy nominated musician, Alex Meixner, also on accordion, later kept the party going on stage.
O’Reilly estimated roughly 8,000 people were in attendance for the event, despite the chilly temperatures, overcast skies and light rain.
“I’m just super psyched that families come and have a great time,” he said. “I always feel a little relief when everyone’s home and the dust settles, ya know?”
Leskin said as long as he can keep running, he’ll keep competing in the race. When asked what the secret was to the three year victory, Leskin said simply “it’s just luck. The goats like to run, I guess.”