Right on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, Kenosha, Wisconsin, is the ideal city for your next vacation due to it’s natural surroundings, ample activities and welcoming community.
Originally known as Pike Peak in 1835, recognized as Southport for a short time after, and finally renamed Kenosha in 1850, the city has a storied history. After the city was established, it quickly became a major shipping hub for the region and began to grow quickly. As the 20th Century commenced, Kenosha became one of the foremost auto production sites outside of Detroit, Michigan. Millions of automobiles were produced here between 1900 and 1990. The city currently has over a population of 100,000, and is more known for being a tourist magnet than a manufacturing center, although many big multinational companies call this beautiful city their home.
As a tourist destination, Kenosha has something to offer everyone who visits. The rich history of the city is on display at museums, landmarks and four separate historical districts. The diversity of people who originally settled here is reflected in the wide range of design and architecture techniques used in the historical buildings. If you’re looking to head outdoors, the parks here are clean, well outfitted, and regularly maintained. Whether you're hitting the beach or exploring the lush forests, the surrounding natural beauty is great! Lake Michigan provides ample opportunities for boat tours, sea life viewing, kayaking, fishing and just about any watersport you can imagine. Any trip to Kenosha wouldn't be complete without visiting one of the high quality events like the brand new Border War Beer Fest.
While this is only its first year, the Border War Beer Fest has already established a local buzz. This border battle is going to match up some of best breweries from Wisconsin and Illinois to see which state has the best beers. In addition to the beer, live music will be performed by The Invaders and there will be an assortment of food vendors serving up plenty of tasty treats. This is going to be a fun and vibrant event with a bit of something for each attendee. Make your next vacation a memorable one and head to Kenosha for the Border War Beer Fest! We got the chance to interview Zoe Barker, Digital Marketing Coordinator for Brewfest Partners, to talk about the Border War Beer Fest.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
ZB: This is the premiere Border War Beer Fest. We are so excited to bring this new festival to Kenosha and look forward to consecutive years for our new event! BrewFest Partners produces craft beer festivals all over the country, including many in Wisconsin and Illinois (Great Lakes Brew Fest in Racine and Milwaukee Firkin Fest). We love creating unique festivals and partnering with local organizations to put on events that are beneficial to the area and bring craft beer culture and community together.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event?
ZB: Everyone who enters the event must be 21+ and present valid ID. We see a lot of small groups of friends and couples, and even big groups like bachelorette parties. There's a really wide age range of attendees at most of our events, anywhere from early 20s to folks in their 70s beer lovers are a diverse group!
RAL: What makes this event unique?
ZB: It's a #beerfight, we're pitting Illinois breweries against Wisconsin's to see which state has the best beer, based on votes at the fest. The brewery with the most votes takes home the trophy and the whole state wins bragging rights until next year when it is decided again!
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
ZB: You can expect a really fun and lively beer festival with an impressive array of beer and cider. Attendees get 3oz samples of as many brews as they'd like to try included in the ticket price.
The activities at our fest are beer-centric activities. There's also a 5K before the event that attendees can sign up for separately!
The band The Invaders will perform! Ska music is so much fun at a beer fest - it really brings up the party atmosphere and makes for a really good time.
Local food vendors will be there to purchase from and we'll have Wisconsin cheese curds, Chicago-style hot dogs, and more state-favorite foods.
Beer fests are always a party, but this one will be particularly fun since it's on the border of Illinois and Wisconsin. Kenosha is the perfect place to meet in the middle and enjoy brews from both states.
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?
ZB: There are! We have all of the lodging specials on our website http://borderwarbeerfest.com/lodging/
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
ZB: It is a benefit for the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha, so it's an excellent way to have fun and give back.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
ZB: Craft beer lovers should come to the event for a chance to support the breweries of their state and for a chance to try brews they might not get to otherwise! This beer fest is unique because it's a friendly battle between two states known for their craft beer communities and this fest will be a place to celebrate both!
For more information about the Border War Beer Fest, please visit their website.