WESTFIELD-More than 20 craft breweries from the region will descend on the Westfield News Group parking lot June 2 for the first Whip City Brewfest.
The afternoon event on School Street will feature beer tastings, live entertainment, raffles, food trucks, and a host of vendors who are supporting the fundraiser to benefit the Amelia Park Children’s Museum (APCM).
“APCM is a nonprofit charitable organization that supports its operations, programs, and exhibits through donations, grants, and fundraiser events like this Brewfest,” said Michael Roundy, chair of Brewfest and vice president of the APCM board.
APCM’s other signature fundraiser is the Penguin Plunge conducted every January at the Hampton Ponds State Park.
Roundy said he credits Neil Roache and Diana McLean for the initial idea.
“The idea has been kicking around for a couple of years, and evolved this year into an actual event,” said Roundy.
Michael Roundy, chairperson of the first Whip City Brewfest, is seen with Katherine Daly, executive director of the Amelia Park Children’s Museum, next to the newest exhibit, Dino Dig. Proceeds raised from the Brewfest will benefit ongoing exhibits and programs.
As word spread about the fundraiser, breweries immediately wanted to get involved.
“Tin Bridge Brewing, right here in Westfield, is our headline sponsor,” said Roundy, adding that breweries are also donating their beer for the tastings.
Breweries offering tastings will include the Westfield River Brewing Company of Southwick; Great Awakening Brewing Company, Westfield; Two Weeks Notice, West Springfield; New City Brewery, Easthampton; White Lion Brewery, Springfield; Bottoms Up Brewing, Springfield; Amherst Brewing; Rustic Brewing Company, Indian Orchard, and Opa-Opa Brewing Company, Williamsburg.
Local breweries also include the Vanished Valley Brewing Company and Oakholm Brewing Company, both of Ludlow; Lefty’s Brewing Company, Greenfield; and the Hitchcock Brewing Company and Berkshire Brewing Company, both in South Deerfield.
Breweries also on tap to share their specialties include Big Elm Brewing, Sheffield; Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, Framingham, and Harpoon Brewery, Boston and Windsor, Vt.
Out-of-state breweries participating include Powder Hollow Brewery, Hazardville, Conn.; von Trapp Brewery, Stowe, Vt.; Whalers Brewing Company, South Kingstown, R.I., and the Black Hog Brewing Company, Oxford, Conn.
Representatives from the Commercial Distributing Company will also feature select breweries at its booth.
The rain or shine event will be conducted under a large tent and individual vendors will be located outside the main tent.
“Food trucks will be lined up on the street,” said Roundy, adding that traffic will still flow on School Street.
“Traffic will be blocked off just after Central Street so cars will be able to turn right to go to the municipal parking areas or turn left onto Central to go around the venue,” said Roundy.
A variety of food and product vendors scheduled to participate include Brew Bus Tours, M&M Catering, Cymba Bottle Openers, Two Rivers Burritos, Eddie & Angie’s Food Engine, Mama Cakes, Wicked Good Treats by Elaine, Thrasher.life (T-shirts), Hop Hollow beer soap, Sparkle Designs and Cruise Planners. Also, Circuit Coffee will be providing free tastings of its cold brew coffee.
“There is still time to sign up, but space is becoming limited,” said Roundy.
Roundy is confident that the first Brewfest will be a rousing success. He credits the many committee members who have been working behind the scenes for months to ensure a smooth sailing event. Committee members include Katherine Daly, APCM’s executive director, Rick Barry, board member, Chuck Kelly, board president, Diana McLean, board member, Ted Cassell, Neil Roache, Stephen Roache, Bruce Cameron, MJ McMahon and Susie Howard (design and promotions).
Advance tickets are $40 each for VIP admission from noon to 5 p.m., or $30 general admission from 1 to 5 p.m. Also, a “designated driver” ticket is available for $10 which includes water and soda throughout the event.
“Ticket sales are going well and the real value of the VIP ticket is that they are of a limited number,” said Roundy. “The VIPs will gain entry for one full hour prior to general admission, and will only have to navigate a crowd of 150 other VIPs, which makes for shorter lines and less of a crowd.”
Roundy added that general admission at 1 p.m. will include up to 650 additional ticket holders.
“VIPs will also receive a commemorative bottle opener and are guaranteed a commemorative tasting glass,” said Roundy. “General admission ticket holders will receive the commemorative glass only while supplies last, and then will receive a generic plastic cup for their tastings.”
Tickets are on sale online through Eventbrite (search for Whip City Brewfest) or via a link at www.whipcitybrewfest.com, or on the Whip City Brewfest Facebook page. Paper tickets are sold at Skyline Trading Company and at APCM.
“Tickets are of limited quantity, so if they sell out, sales on the day of the event will only be possible if the site capacity permits it,” said Roundy, adding that tickets at the door would be $35 and $45 for VIPs.
In addition to Tin Bridge Brewing, major sponsors and supporters include R Levesque Associates, Inc., the Westfield News Group, and Walmart.
“The support of many other sponsors and donors of funds, services, and raffle prizes is hugely appreciated,” said Roundy.
Performers throughout the afternoon will include Tim Cullinan of PrideFalls, Kittie Does Country, and the Charlie Galvin Band, who are all donating their time to the fundraiser.
“Every penny counts, but we are hoping to raise at least $10,000 through ticket sales, sponsors, vendors, raffle tickets and donations,” said Roundy.
Daly noted there are nine raffle prizes including a beer-making kit, a mixed six-pack of Tree House Brewing Company brews, a beer bag with beer, a beer glass with beer, and a museum basket with items for children, including a duck hat, T-shirt, water bottle, fly catcher, kickball and Skippy Frog toss and grip. A 50/50 raffle is also planned.
Funds raised from this event will help support the summer movie series for kids, maintenance of the building, and the newest exhibit – Dino Dig – that teaches children about dinosaurs and other fossils.
“APCM is a unique treasure that greater Westfield is privileged to have to help with the curiosity and development of young minds,” said Roundy.
