It started as a dream nearly two years ago – bring a craft beer festival to Waynesboro in an effort to attract an audience to the downtown district and create an enjoyable afternoon for a few hundred people. When that dream became a reality, attendance numbers came close to 1,000, and the event raised more money for Mainstreet Waynesboro, Inc. than any other in the history of the non-profit organization.
With those figures in mind, staff members and volunteers are in the process of planning another Waynesboro Brewmaster Beer Festival. The second annual event will be held from 12:30 to 4:00 on the afternoon of Saturday, May 21 in the Grove-Bowersox Parking Lot behind the Waynesboro Post Office.
More than 40 craft beers from 20 microbreweries are expected to be available to taste at the event. The confirmed list includes a number of returning favorites located in central Pennsylvania, including Chambersburg’s Roy Pitz Brewing Company, Hershey’s Troeg’s Brewing Company and Gettysburg’s Battlefield Brew Works.
They’ll be joined by a variety of newcomers such as Carlisle’s Molly Pitcher Brewing Company, Gettysburg’s Appalachian Brewing Company and Dallastown’s Wyndrige Farm Brewing, from which a representative will be bringing samples of a “Crafty Cranberry” cider.
Live music will be provided by Center of Gravity and Lucky Punk, with on-air personalities from Scorpion Radio Group again serving as the emcees. Caveman BBQ, Main Street Diner and Dutch Country Soft Pretzels are expected to return as food vendors, with a couple of new options for attendees likely to appear as well.
“After the success of last year’s inaugural event, the bar has been raised, and we have spent the past several months planning for another unforgettable day,” said Suzie Moyer, Mainstreet Waynesboro’s administrative assistant. “2016’s version will feature more beer, more food and more fun in the same great location.”
Tickets are $25 a piece, but anyone who orders before Saturday, April 16 can take advantage of a special “Happy Hour” (Early Bird) discounted price of $20. People who want to attend the festival for the food and music and not consume alcohol can buy a “Designated Driver” ticket for $10.
Tickets can be ordered online by visiting www.waynesborobeerfestival.com or www.facebook.com/WBBeerFestival. They can also be purchased at the office of Mainstreet Waynesboro, Inc. (13 West Main Street), The Beer Shed (226 Walnut Street) and the office of the Greater Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce (118 Walnut Street).
At this time, sponsors of the festival are Alma Oyer (“Barrel” level), F&M Trust, Greg & Debi Duffey and L.T. Rush Stone (“Keg” level), M&T Bank (“Growler” level) and McLaughlin’s Home Heating (“Pint” level). The Beer Shed is sponsoring the five-ounce souvenir mugs that attendees will use when consuming their samples, and other donations are being made by AC&T, Buchanan Automotive, Sheetz and Waynesboro Construction.
Moyer says additional sponsorships are welcomed between now and May, and she encourages anyone interested in supporting the project to call 717-762-0397 or send an e-mail to suzie@waynesboro.org.