Inaugural Broadview Heights Beer Fest draws a crowd

by Dan Holland

More than 300 area residents poured onto the grounds of Broadview Heights city campus the afternoon of July 27 to partake in the city’s first-ever Beer Fest.

The event, which had all proceeds benefitting A Special Wish NEO, featured 23 area breweries that offered a wide variety of craft specialties.

A Beer Pass ticket for visitors 21-and-over included 15 pours in an event-provided 4-ounce cup. A designated driver ticket included one non-alcoholic beverage.

Some of the more interestingly-named drink choices available from various vendors included: High Rent Lemon Girl, Honey Boom Pop, Goggle Fogger, Head Hunter, Frogarita Turbo Shandy Citrus Ale, Feliz Navidude Christmas Ale, Go Faster Billy Red Ale, Who Cooks for You Hazy Pale Ale and Boozendorf Hazy IPA.

“We were looking to do something new for the city of Broadview Heights to get more people on our campus,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Amanda Hutcheson. “Also, some of the local brewing companies here, such as Broadview Brewing Company, reached out and said there isn’t anything like this in this area – there are events in Macedonia, Strongsville and Avon. They inquired about us holding an event here, as there are breweries in Broadview Heights, North Royalton and Hinckley.”

“We’re really just hoping for people to come out enjoy the environment, listen to the band, enjoy the food trucks and sample some of the many beers that are being offered today,” she added.

Food trucks included Cheesy Dave’s, Just Us Doggs, Emanuel & Nick’s Greek Taverna and Joey’s Rockin Poppin Popcorn. Live music was provided in the city amphitheater by Out of Order.

Rick Sacha, owner of Blue Monkey Brewing Company in North Royalton, said it is all about community and supporting local charity. “It’s all going to a good cause, and that’s what it’s really all about; that, and getting out and meeting people and being out and about in the community, which is important to us,” he said. “It’s nice to see all the area breweries coming together for this.” 

Broadview Heights residents Cliff and Laura Wetherwax said they try to attend as many city events as possible. “We invited some people we know, and they decided to join us here today,” said Cliff. “So, we’re going to have an afternoon here and check it all out.”

Chris Kucharski and Renee Reighard of Medina said they enjoy visiting area breweries. “I like that they have a lot of little breweries, so you’re not seeing the same big brewers everywhere,” said Reighard. “There are two or three breweries here today that we’ve not yet been to, so we want to check them out.”

Kucharski said they recently learned of the event while visiting Broadview Brewing Company. Other local favorites include Hoppin’ Frog Brewery in Akron and Hoppy Dude Brews in Hinckley, who both had a booth at the festival.

Mitch and Jaime Boyer of Broadview Heights attended with young daughter Sarina. “It’s a good family- friendly event to come out to and relax on a beautiful summer day,” said Jaime. “And we saw that it was all for a good cause.”

Hinckley residents Bill Dabb and Abby Bell said they came to sample the wide variety of brews. “We came out to try the beers, and when we saw the list, there’s quite a variety,” said Dabb. “It’s just a nice, fun thing to do in the middle of the day; just to come out, walk around and relax.”

Broadview Heights residents Dave Mayher and Lindsay Wolfe said they enjoy frequenting local breweries. “We go to Broadview Brewing Company often, so we’re big fans of their craft,” said Mayher. “I’m really looking forward to trying their Travel Bug Weizenbock.”

“We’re selling a lot of our seltzer, and we also have our peanut butter chrome porter, which is an award winner,” said Ellen Routsos of Broadview Brewing Company. “And, we also have our Travel Bug Weizenbock, which was just made fresh this week.” ∞

Councilpersons Tom Pavlica and Glenn Goodwin man the Franklin
Brewing Company tent. Photos by Dan Holland.

Dave Mayher and Lindsay Wolfe of Broadview Heights sample a few beers.

Photo (main/above): The band, Out of Order, performs at the Broadview Heights Beer Fest July 27. Photos by Dan Holland.