Beerfest 2009: Mugs rise in Fort Lauderdale April 18
The New Times Beerfest is back for its April 18 for its 12th year in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Hosted by BIG 105.9 morning DJs Paul and Young Ron, the bash will run rain or shine from 7 to 11 p.m. in Esplanade Park as beer lovers rejoice in the 21st Amendment (the repeal of Prohibition).
Breweries in attendance include Land Shark, Rolling Rock, Presidente, Shock-Top, Dos Equis, Newcastle, Holy Mackerel, Hop Hound, Asahi, MillerCoors, Polar, India Pale Ale and lots more.
You thought it was just beer-guzzling? There will also be Brewery Contests. A panel of professional judges will taste and grade the Best Brew by category: Best Stout, Best Ale, Best Amber, Best Wheat and Best IPA. Best Brewery Display will be judged on Public Appeal, Subject, Attractiveness and Quality. (Or of course, you can just hang out and drink beer. Not everyone needs an excuse.)
Live performances by reggae group Fourth Dimension and Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute Band Behind The Sun should keep the beer buffs grooving.
Be your own star and go VIP for $50. Taste liquor compliments of Crown Wine and Spirits, and sample beer and food in style in the air conditioned VIP lounge.
Event vendors include Coyote Ugly Saloon, Swisher Sweets, Round Up Country Western Club, FL Cigar Co., McDonald's, and Tootsie's Cabaret. Local South Florida restaurants will have tasty treats for you to try.
There's no Will Call, so buy your ticket online, print from home, and avoid waiting in long entrance lines. Tickets with barcodes as well as mulitple entry points will keep the beer-crazed masses flowing effortlessly into the park. Part of this year's ticket sales benefit the American Red Cross.
Click here for a map of the park and parking. Volunteers work about five-hour shifts the day of the event, and receive a free T-shirt as well as free admission to the New Times After Party.
- by Jessica Bates, Hialeah Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jessica BatesJessica is a freelance journalist residing in lovely southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. She writes for a green living publication, which she thoroughly enjoys. Once upon a time she was an editorial board member for Steel Toe Books choosing poetry manuscripts for publication.
