Sly Fox Bock Fest and Goat Races return

POTTSTOWN » A local favorite is returning to Pottstown this weekend, so round up some goats and grab a beer mug.

The annual Sly Fox Bock Fest and Goat Races will make it’s return for the 18th year this Sunday. The day, which celebrates spring with Bock beers, is expected to draw thousands as attendees look forward to having a beer or two and cheering on a tribe of goats.

“The first year a few goats showed up to race,” recalls Brian O’Reilly, who hatched the idea of combining goat races with an annual bock festival. After the first few races, the event became regionally famous as the prime attraction of the fest, where O’Reilly and his team serve up a lineup of bock beers including Slacker Bock, Helles Bock, Instigator Doppelbock, Hefeweizen Doppelbock, Slacker Eisbock, and a Maibock.

The day marks the release of the Maibock, which is tapped immediately after the goat race and named in honor of the winner.

This year, 60 competitors are registered to run in front of thousands of attendees on May 6 at the Sly Fox Brewery, 331 Circle of Progress, Pottstown. Goats run in heats of six with the winners advancing until there is a single champion for whom the brewery’s annual Maibock is named.

The first heat for the goat races

starts promptly at 2 p.m. and typically takes about 90 minutes.

In addition to the races, the fest will feature live German Oompah bands, lots of food and other family friendly events. In addition to regional food trucks, the brewery will serve German brats, pretzels, veggie sandwiches,

cheese steaks and pizza.

Bock Fest is cash only and free to attend. All food and drink must be purchased with tickets, available on site. An ATM is located inside the Sly Fox Tastin’ Room (open during Bock Fest), and there will be a mobile ATM van in the parking lot. Guests may also purchase food and drink tickets using the secure BeerMe app, available for download on all smartphones.

The brewery will be

equipped with large screen televisions so attendees don’t miss a beat. Additionally, a simulcast to Sly Fox’s original location, the Sly Fox Brewhouse and Eatery, in Phoenixville will also be set up. There will also be a feat of strength for beer drinkers. Masskrugstemmen, a traditional Bavarian bier stein holding contest will challenge participants to compete against each other to see who can hold a filled 5-pound, one-liter mug the

DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA FILE PHOTO Spartacus, a previous winner of the goat races, had the honor of being the namesake of Sly Fox’s annual beer released after the event.

DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA FILE PHOTO longest. “Bock Fest started small, but today, it’s the kick-off to our summer season and something we look forward to all year round,” said brewmaster Brian O’Reilly. “We can’t wait to wash down a delicious bratwurst or two with some great bock beers...