The City of Hobart and Indiana Beverage came together for the second year in a row to bring you a brew fest unlike any other. The festivities began at two on Saturday afternoon with a VIP tour and continued all day, until 9pm that night. Guests took part in live music, unique BBQ foods, and a spectacular array of locally brewed beers and wine that make this year’s Brews and Blues fest one-of-a-kind.
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“Ours is a little different,” was Julie Mandon’s explanation of the Brews and Blues fest. She is the Recreation and Operations Coordinator for the Hobart Parks and Recreation department, a key player in making the event a reality. “It’s more of a concert than it is centered around beer. We’ve focused on the blues music.”
The Kinsey Report played music through the first half of the fest. Their music surrounded the park, transforming your sense of hearing into one that is felt throughout your body. Guests gathered in front of the stage to dance.
Fans Ronda Cook and Debbie Gruszka explain that the group spawned mostly from one father, blues legend Lester “Big Daddy” Kinsey. His three sons are carrying on his name with their friend Andrew. “They’re professionals,” said Ronda. “They are our favorite band, they’re fantastic. Donald [Kinsey] was a wailer for Bob Marley and played with Peter Tosh and Albert King. They are just phenomenal.”
Later that night, Duke Tomato took the stage.
Mandon said, “We are trying to do better than last year. Just building up, every year.”
Music is not the only thing that was live. A booth was set up so that you can watch as Chef Ted Zych prepared your bison burgers or pulled pork sandwich.
“All the food was great,” said Becky Tutto of Crown Point. “As soon as I figured out how to eat this pie without a fork, it was hard not to gobble it all down.”
Surrounding the chef and his entourage of picnic tables was a wide arch of tents shielding beer from the sun. You had your choice of companies, brands, and flavors. Each booth offered a unique sample from local brewing companies.
Most of them were represented by Indiana Beverage.
“We’re getting a lot of our brands out,” said John Lynk, the Craft Brand Manager for Indiana Beverage. The exposure helps promote the local brands. The more events, the better. It brings the people together, to see the park and enjoy a nice fest.”
Indiana Beverage has joined with City of Hobart on other occasions, like for their Mud Volleyball event for St. Jude’s. Promotions Manager Leslie Bailey said, “We’re pleased to partner with the City of Hobart and to help them make their events a success. The city itself is great to work with. The people are friendly and helpful; a good group.”
“This is the only event we charge for,” said Nikki Lopez, the Events Director for the City of Hobart. “It takes care of all the other events for the rest of the year - it allows us to have free events. It really helps to have those resources put toward the community.”