Sacramento’s origins date back to the mid-19th Century as a hub for gold miners pouring into California. Today, it’s a great destination complete with a vibrant culture, ample farm-to-table dining, and more outdoor activities than you can imagine. California’s Capital is a great spot for history buffs with awesome sites and attractions including Sutter’s Fort, the California State Capital, and Crocker Art Museum. Travelers looking for adventure should make their way to Folsom Lake, an ideal spot for everything from sunbathing to jet-skiing.
The California Brewers Festival has been providing a top-tier craft beer experience for the people of Sacramento for the past 23 years. This year’s event will take place September 16, at Discovery Park. Attendees will be able to sample more than 150 ciders, beers, wines, and meads from more than 100 producers from across America. This year’s event will also feature a large vendor area where people can purchase a variety of crafts, clothing, and more. Between drink samples, make sure to check out some of the unique cuisine offerings from Buckhorn Grill, Bacon Mania, and more. The Fun Zone will return for this year and include giant Jenga, painting, massages, and photos. The Element Brass Band will also provide live music throughout the event. All of the event's proceeds go to organizations that benefit kids and the community including WEAVE, Inc. and Point West Rotary Club Foundation. We got the opportunity to interview Jeniece Thomas, a representative of the event, to learn more about this great brewing celebration.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
JT: This will be our 23rd year!
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
JT: We anticipate between 4,000-5,000 attendees.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
JT: The event is for beer lovers that are 21 and over. We see plenty of couples and groups of friends.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
JT: We have great beer for a good cause! The Rotary Club of Point West and the Point West Rotary Club Foundation host the event and it's all volunteer run. All of our proceeds go to charities that ultimately benefit children. Our patrons enjoy a day in Discovery Park with over 70 breweries and cideries, live music, craft vendor fair, and fun zone. Plus, we are the longest pouring brewers festival in the area.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
JT: We have beer and cider tastings, live music, a craft vendor fair, photo 'bus' by DerBeirgarten, adult sized teeter totter by the Rotaract Club of Sacramento, giant Jenga by XOXO, and more!
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
JT: We are lucky to have Sacramento's famous food trucks by SactoMoFo such as Buckhorn Grill, Sacramento Gameday Grill, Chando's Tacos, and more.
RAL: What is the overall environment like?
JT: Discovery Park is a large scenic park where the American River meets the Sacramento River. Bring a blanket and chairs to enjoy your beer and food under the shade of a tree!
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
JT: Yes, it promotes our local craft vendors and breweries. It also brings a few thousand new customers to local businesses.
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?
JT: Yes, we have partnered with WEAVE, Inc., the primary provider of crisis intervention services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Sacramento County. Proceeds go to WEAVE, Inc., and to other charities that benefit children via the Point West Rotary Club Foundation. Started in 1998, the Point West Rotary Club Foundation has donated over $1.1 million to over one hundred worthy charitable causes. You can find out more about both organizations on line at www.weaveinc.org/who-we-are and www.pwrfoundation.com
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JT: The California Brewers Festival unites thousands of craft beer lovers for an unforgettable experience. The backdrop of Discovery Park combined with the live music creates a great balance of relaxation and energy. And don't forget the beer!!
For more information about the California Brewers Festival, please visit the event website.