Bicentennial Beer Festival on tap today

Beer enthusiasts will have the opportunity to test their palate’s delight with the Avon Lake Bicentennial Beer Festival on Sept. 22 at Miller Road Park.

The one-day festival to take between noon and 6 p.m. at 33760 Lake Road, will feature 14 Northeast Ohio breweries and 28 different beers for patrons to try along with live music and loads of activities.

Featured breweries include: Avon Brewing Company, Bascule Brewery, Brew Kettle, Fat Heads Brewery, Franklin Brewing Company, Great Lakes Brewing Company, MadTree Brewing, Railroad Brewing Company, Rhinegeist Brewery, Saucy Brew Works, Sibling Revelry Brewing, Thirsty Dog Brewing Co., Wild Ohio Brewing and Working Class Brewery.

“Most pieces are coming together,” said Ted Esborn, Avon Lake economic development director. “And, so, whereas even a week or two ago, it seemed sort of intimidating and frightening that it was approaching so quickly.”

Part of year-long celebration marking Avon Lake’s 200th anniversary, the Beer Fest hopes to build on the success of the Avon Lake Wine Festival, which was spearheaded by former Council-at-Large member Dan Bucci in highlighting another of one of the city’s parks.

“The vision of Mayor (Greg) Zilka is that we could have this other event in our city that kind of balances at a different time and at another one of our city parks,” Esborn said. “And we’ve been lucky to have been able to go to school on the Wine Fest. We’ve sort of built our attendance targets based on the Wine Fest.”

Esborn added the Bicentennial Committee has been able to draw on their creativity in putting together a memorable day for everyone.

A unique aspect of the Beer Fest is it will to provide an opportunity to showcase local businesses through offering private tents.

“This is a great way to involve city businesses in the event and we’re happy to see that happen. And what’s great is, some are making a company and others are entertaining clients and we’re really happy with how that turned out,” he said.

Five local businesses are taking part and will be able to have food delivered to the tents from local restaurants including The Breakwall Food and Spirits, The Casalon and Divine Scoops.

In addition, with Avon Lake currently in the process of re-writing its comprehensive land-use plan and zoning codes, the Beer Fest will offer residents the chance to provide feedback on proposed changes in a fun, relaxed environment, officials said.

Food trucks to be featured at the Beer Fest include: Barrio (tacos), Jones Bones (BBQ), Krav (Mediterranean), Nelly Belly (pizza), Pierogie Joe (pierogies), Super Hero (big sandwiches).

Tickets for the beer fest are $35 and are available online at www. avonlake200.org.