Vermont Brewers Festival back at the Burlington Waterfront for the first time in two years
Local breweries and some food vendors set up along Waterfront Park for multiple sessions.
Local breweries and some food vendors set up along Waterfront Park for multiple sessions.
Local breweries and some food vendors set up along Waterfront Park for multiple sessions.
The Vermont Brewers Festival is back for its 31st year, and its first event since the COVID-19 pandemic shut things down over the past two years.
Local breweries and some food vendors set up along Waterfront Park for multiple sessions. People can buy tickets to attend a certain day and time slot over the course of the weekend.
Many aspects remain the same. However, organizers have adjusted their format to help breweries struggling with issues like staffing shortages. Instead of having to commit to the entire weekend, breweries can come to sessions during a day and time they can make work for their business and employees.
"They can come for one day if that meets their needs, so we've been playing with this new format which is nice because we see more faces, more brewers, people can taste test more beers," Katie Hodges, admissions for Vermont Brewers Festival, said. "It's a win, win for everybody."
Whetstone Beer Company out of Brattleboro has been to the festival more than five times. This year, the company celebrates its 10th anniversary.
During the pandemic, co-owner Amy Brady said they had to make changes to aspects of their operation. The Southern Vermont company said they're excited to be back at events that can showcase their beer as they expand distribution of their product throughout New England.
"To get yourself and your brand in front of the people is very huge," Brady said.
History professor at Northeastern University and beer expert Malcolm Purinton said the pandemic was devastating for many small beer operations. Previously, local brewers would depend on foot traffic from their taprooms. Due to COVID-19, it forced many to invest in canning.
Purinton, who has attended the Vermont Brewers Festival before, said now it is critical for local brewers to get in front of as many people as possible to tell their story.
"Having a festival where you're able to sample and you're able to meet dozens of local brewers, it enhances the local state brands while also enhancing the relationships that the brewers can make between themselves as well as consumers who are from out of state who can go back and talk about this brewery no one ever heard of," Purinton said.
Tickets for Saturday's sessions are sold out. Designated driver tickets are available.