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  • Anheuser-Busch beer wagon at Busch Gardens in 1975.

    Thomas Slater / Daily Press

    Anheuser-Busch beer wagon at Busch Gardens in 1975.

  • Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

  • Brass Cannon Brewery closed permanently in early October 2022, its...

    Judith Lowery / Daily Press

    Brass Cannon Brewery closed permanently in early October 2022, its owners citing inflation, rising interest rates and their unwillingness to sacrifice quality to compete.

  • 1974 aerial of the soon to be French Village at...

    Daily Press archive

    1974 aerial of the soon to be French Village at Busch Gardens.

  • Little visitors have fun riding miniature motorcycle ride in Grimm's...

    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    Little visitors have fun riding miniature motorcycle ride in Grimm's Hollow at Busch Gardens in 1980.

  • Bob Bauman as Leonardo da Vinci at Busch Gardens in...

    Thom Slater / Daily Press

    Bob Bauman as Leonardo da Vinci at Busch Gardens in 1980.

  • Alewerks manager Chuck Haines, left, taproom assistant manager Luci Legaspi,...

    Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press

    Alewerks manager Chuck Haines, left, taproom assistant manager Luci Legaspi, center, and owner Al Whitaker blow the head off the top of a beer inside the taproom Aug. 27, 2014, at the brewery in Williamsburg. Two Alewerks beers recently won medals at the Virginia Craft Brewers Fest. Lover's Greed won gold in the speciality beer category and Bitter Valentine won silver in the imperial IPA category.

  • Workers are building the track for the monorail which will...

    Daily Press archive/Buddy Norris

    Workers are building the track for the monorail which will take visitors around the Williamsburg Busch facility

  • Old Country England, May 1975

    Daily Press archive/Buddy Norris

    Old Country England, May 1975

  • Children flock one of the characters that strolled through the...

    Buddy NorrisDaily Press archive, Daily Press

    Children flock one of the characters that strolled through the park at Busch Gardens in the 1970's.

  • Wiping his brow from the heat and effort of making...

    Judith Lowery / Daily Press

    Wiping his brow from the heat and effort of making the tanks ready and full for the reopening is Scott Kennedy, right, as he and Phil Norfolk talk about the expansion of their business from Toano to Williamsburg.

  • Lee Duncan the owner of Wharf Hill Brewery in Smithfield...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Lee Duncan the owner of Wharf Hill Brewery in Smithfield talks with customers in his bar on Main St. The building his brewery in used to contain a funeral parlor, a pool hall and a barber shop over the course of it's history.

  • Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

  • Owen King, a distiller at Ironclad Distillery, holds a test...

    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    Owen King, a distiller at Ironclad Distillery, holds a test bottle.

  • Fiddle and guitar are practicing as part of the "Celtic...

    Judith Lowery / Daily Press

    Fiddle and guitar are practicing as part of the "Celtic Fire" show.

  • Phil Norfolk stands in the public area of Brass Cannon...

    Judith Lowery / Daily Press

    Phil Norfolk stands in the public area of Brass Cannon looking out on Mooretown Road; the brewery has relocated from Toano to Wiliamsburg.

  • St. George Brewing Company describes its Summer Ale as having...

    Emily CarriganDaily Press / Daily Press

    St. George Brewing Company describes its Summer Ale as having "an aggressive late hop character with a medium bodied ale to produce a highly-drinkable, thirst-quenching beer."

  • A youngster enjoys the experience of cuddling a two-week-old Siberian...

    Daily Press archive

    A youngster enjoys the experience of cuddling a two-week-old Siberian tiger kitten at Busch Gardens. Children can hold and bottle-feed a wide variety of baby animals. 1985

  • An aerial photo of Busch Gardens in May 1975.

    Daily Press Archives

    An aerial photo of Busch Gardens in May 1975.

  • Burgurmeister Robert Bauman leads group in song (Denbigh Junior, Bonnie...

    Daily Press Archives

    Burgurmeister Robert Bauman leads group in song (Denbigh Junior, Bonnie Bisol in foreground)at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1978.

  • A sure sign of the new tourist season in the...

    Daily Press archive/Thom Slater

    A sure sign of the new tourist season in the Peninsula area are the swarms of tourists visiting Busch Gardens. April 1976

  • The bar section of Wharf Hill Brewery used to be...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    The bar section of Wharf Hill Brewery used to be a funeral parlor and the middle a pool hall. Owner Lee Duncan has decorated the building with reclaimed furniture and other pieces from old building in Isle of Wight County.

  • Daily Press photo by Tara Bozick

  • Owen King pours corn into a bucket Tuesday afternoon at...

    Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press

    Owen King pours corn into a bucket Tuesday afternoon at Ironclad Distillery in downtown Newport News. The family run business is starting to produce bourbon at the facility.

  • Henry VIII leads 4-year-old Brooke Hinkle of Newport News and...

    Thom Slater / Daily Press

    Henry VIII leads 4-year-old Brooke Hinkle of Newport News and the opening crowds through the gate at Busch Gardens in April 1982.

  • This view, taken from Rt. 60, is the approximate site...

    Daily Press archive

    This view, taken from Rt. 60, is the approximate site of the brewery. 1969

  • "Hats Off to Hollywood" at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

    Thom Slater / Daily Press

    "Hats Off to Hollywood" at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

  • St. George's brewery owner William Spence Jr. talks with some...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    St. George's brewery owner William Spence Jr. talks with some of the attendees of Taco Tuesday at his brewery in Hampton. The company has become a fixture in the community by holding regular fundraiser and has even added a yoga class.

  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1987.

    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1987.

  • Megan and Zach Moats of the group Lovecats performs at...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    Megan and Zach Moats of the group Lovecats performs at St. George Brewing on Friday, March 20. Local ordinances had to be changed to allow live music in the building that is zoned for industrial activity.

  • Moat Monster Stout and Short Fuse Session IPA are two...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Moat Monster Stout and Short Fuse Session IPA are two on the beer styles being brewed at Oozlefinch Brewry on Fort Monroe Thursday August 11, 2016. The brewery is naming their beers in honor of the fort they call home.

  • Oozlefinch Brewry cellar man Ben Baumann works in the brewery...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Oozlefinch Brewry cellar man Ben Baumann works in the brewery section on the new facility on Fort Monroe August 11, 2016.

  • Williamsburg AleWerks has been a local microbrewery since 2006. They...

    Sangjib Min / Daily Press

    Williamsburg AleWerks has been a local microbrewery since 2006. They make seasonal beers like Pumpkin Ale and other year-round ones.

  • A park official examines construction on the Loch Ness Monster...

    Daily Press Archives

    A park official examines construction on the Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens in 1978. (Photographer Thomas L. Williams)

  • Rhine River cruise at Busch Gardens in 1975.

    Buddy Norris / Daily Press

    Rhine River cruise at Busch Gardens in 1975.

  • Hastings in May 1975

    Daily Press archive/Buddy Norris

    Hastings in May 1975

  • A Busch Gardens' juggler entertains the crowd while it waits...

    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    A Busch Gardens' juggler entertains the crowd while it waits for the opening of the Peninsula's giant new theme park on May 10, 1975. Some 2,000 had arrived by 9:45 am for the opening.

  • Cleared area (upper left) is first stage of planned expansion...

    Jim Livengood / Daily Press

    Cleared area (upper left) is first stage of planned expansion of Busch Gardens. The new area, "Oktoberfest" would include eight thrill and kiddie rides, and a 2,000 seat hall. (Nov. 1975)

  • An aerial shot of England section of Busch Gardens in...

    Buddy Norris / Daily Press

    An aerial shot of England section of Busch Gardens in 1975.

  • Crowds enjoy watching dancers on first day of the 1976...

    Daily Press archive

    Crowds enjoy watching dancers on first day of the 1976 season.

  • An employee works inside the Alewerks Brewery in Williamsburg on...

    Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press

    An employee works inside the Alewerks Brewery in Williamsburg on Aug. 27, 2014. Two Alewerks beers recently won medals at the Virginia Craft Brewers Fest. Lover's Greed won gold in the speciality beer category and Bitter Valentine won silver in the imperial IPA category.

  • It's all part of the day's work for the horses...

    Daily Press archive/Kenneth Silver

    It's all part of the day's work for the horses and those who care for them. July 1983

  • Governor Godwin and Mrs. Busch lll, ride the LaMans race...

    Daily Press archive/Buddy Norris

    Governor Godwin and Mrs. Busch lll, ride the LaMans race track at the May 1975 grand opening of the park.

  • The Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1985.

    Dennis Tennant / Daily Press

    The Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1985.

  • Old bourbon barrels hold beer at Alewerks Brewery in Williamsburg....

    Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press

    Old bourbon barrels hold beer at Alewerks Brewery in Williamsburg. Two Alewerks beers recently won medals at the Virginia Craft Brewers Fest. Lover's Greed won gold in the speciality beer category and Bitter Valentine won silver in the imperial IPA category.

  • Casey Haas along with his brother Alex serve up fresh...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Casey Haas along with his brother Alex serve up fresh Mexican cuisine from their food truck Stuft during the Taco Tuesday event at St. George's brewery on Sept 15th 2015.

  • Food truck Karnage Asada was on site during opening day...

    Virginia Gazette File Photo

    Food truck Karnage Asada was on site during opening day at Virginia Beer Co.

  • Craft beer lovers gather at St. George's brewery Tuesday evening...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Craft beer lovers gather at St. George's brewery Tuesday evening Sept 15, 2015 for taco Tuesday. The brewery host many events and fundraisers that bring the community out to help good causes.

  • Scott Kennedy, right, holds the barrel clamp shut as he...

    Judith Lowery / Daily Press

    Scott Kennedy, right, holds the barrel clamp shut as he and Phil Norfolk talk about the expansion of their business from Toano to Williamsburg.

  • Construction continued on the "Oktoberfest addition" in Feb. 1976.

    Daily Press Archives

    Construction continued on the "Oktoberfest addition" in Feb. 1976.

  • A band played during opening ceremonies at Busch Gardens in...

    Scott DeMuesy / Daily Press

    A band played during opening ceremonies at Busch Gardens in April 1985

  • Distiller Owen King points out the control on their distiller...

    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    Distiller Owen King points out the control on their distiller at Ironclad Distillery in downtown Newport News.

  • Italy at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1978.

    Joe FudgeDaily Press archive, Daily Press

    Italy at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1978.

  • Brewery Brass Cannon is reopening after moving from Toano to...

    Judith Lowery / Daily Press

    Brewery Brass Cannon is reopening after moving from Toano to Williamsburg with an expanded space. Glasses with the company logo are waiting for opening day.

  • Owen King mixes ingredients Tuesday afternoon at Ironclad Distillery in...

    Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press

    Owen King mixes ingredients Tuesday afternoon at Ironclad Distillery in downtown Newport News. The family run business is starting to produce bourbon at the facility.

  • 1975 aerial of Busch Gardens

    Daily Press archive

    1975 aerial of Busch Gardens

  • Aerial of Busch Gardens from late seventies or 1980

    Daily Press archive

    Aerial of Busch Gardens from late seventies or 1980

  • DoG Street Pub has a wide selection of local and...

    Emily CarriganDaily Press / Daily Press

    DoG Street Pub has a wide selection of local and non-local craft beers for customers to choose from in their Hair of the Dog Bottle Shop.

  • The Clydesdales tromp through downtown Suffolk during a parade. October...

    Daily Press archive/Scott Kingsley

    The Clydesdales tromp through downtown Suffolk during a parade. October 1986

  • Brewery Brass Cannon is reopening after moving from Toano to...

    Judith Lowery / Daily Press

    Brewery Brass Cannon is reopening after moving from Toano to Williamsburg along Mooretown Road.

  • Cleopatra and her entourage arrive at the piazza in Italy...

    Thom Slater / Daily Press

    Cleopatra and her entourage arrive at the piazza in Italy at Busch Gardens in 1980.

  • The train passes by the animals at Busch Gardens in...

    Daily Press Archives

    The train passes by the animals at Busch Gardens in 1975.

  • Opening day for the 1976 season; a family slides down...

    Daily Press archive

    Opening day for the 1976 season; a family slides down the log flume.

  • Jason Hall takes a drink on one of Alewerks signatures...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Jason Hall takes a drink on one of Alewerks signatures brews during their weekly trivia night last Tuesday September 22, 2015.

  • The first production barrel of bourbon being aged at Ironclad...

    Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press

    The first production barrel of bourbon being aged at Ironclad Distillery in downtown Newport News.

  • The Hastings area of Busch Gardens in 1975.

    Buddy Norris / Daily Press

    The Hastings area of Busch Gardens in 1975.

  • Oozlefinch Brewry brewmaster Austin Shawinsky keeps a close eye as...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Oozlefinch Brewry brewmaster Austin Shawinsky keeps a close eye as he brews up a batch of hefeweizen in their building on Fort Monroe Thursday August 11, 2016. The brewery will open to the public on September 3rd.

  • Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

  • Bevo the Fox surfaces to greet children at grand opening,...

    Daily Press archive/Jim Livengood/

    Bevo the Fox surfaces to greet children at grand opening, May 16, 1975

  • July 1984.Joe Carvalho Bird Show

    Daily Press archive/Dennis Tennant

    July 1984.Joe Carvalho Bird Show

  • The Le Mans race track was a busy place at...

    Daily Press Archives

    The Le Mans race track was a busy place at Busch Gardens on opening day, May 10, 1975.

  • From left, Ed McMahon and his wife, August Busch III...

    Buddy Norris / Daily Press

    From left, Ed McMahon and his wife, August Busch III and his wife and Mills Godwin attend the opening of Busch Gardens in May 1975.

  • July 1984. At the Joe Carvalho Bird Show, Tina shows...

    Daily Press archive/Dennis Tennant

    July 1984. At the Joe Carvalho Bird Show, Tina shows off her athletic prowess by bicycling across the stage.

  • All that's left after a steeping process is the grain...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    All that's left after a steeping process is the grain as Oozlefinch Brewry begins a fresh batch of hefeweizen Thursday August 11, 2016 in their facility on Fort Monroe.

  • St. George's brewery owner William Spence Jr. enjoys a beer...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    St. George's brewery owner William Spence Jr. enjoys a beer during their "Taco Tuesday" event on September 15th. The food truck Stuft brings their special brand of tacos to the craft beer drinkers every Tuesday evening.

  • Light illuminates grains used to make bourbon at Ironclad Distillery...

    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    Light illuminates grains used to make bourbon at Ironclad Distillery in downtown Newport News.

  • Da Vinci's Cradle at Busch Gardens in April 1983.

    Daily Press Archives

    Da Vinci's Cradle at Busch Gardens in April 1983.

  • Die Schwarzpinne is one of eight new rides at Busch...

    Buddy Norris / Daily Press

    Die Schwarzpinne is one of eight new rides at Busch Gardens in 1976.

  • Corbin Coronel walk through the the Alewerks brewery in Williamsburg...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Corbin Coronel walk through the the Alewerks brewery in Williamsburg Tuesday September 22, 2015.

  • A glass of the St. George Brewing Company's Golden Ale

    Adrin Snider / Daily Press

    A glass of the St. George Brewing Company's Golden Ale

  • Larry's Lemonade is a sweet, light and refreshing beer-based lemonade...

    Emily CarriganDaily Press / Daily Press

    Larry's Lemonade is a sweet, light and refreshing beer-based lemonade brewed at St. George Brewing Company in Hampton.

  • aerial October 1973, a couple of years before Busch Gardens...

    Daily Press archive/Jim Livengood

    aerial October 1973, a couple of years before Busch Gardens opened.

  • Valerie Lieberman serves up brews cooked up next door in...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Valerie Lieberman serves up brews cooked up next door in the Alewerks brewery in Williamsburg Tuesday September 22, 2015.

  • Crowds at Busch Gardens in May 1975.

    Jim Livengood / Daily Press

    Crowds at Busch Gardens in May 1975.

  • Owen King stands inside Ironclad Distillery in downtown Newport News....

    Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press

    Owen King stands inside Ironclad Distillery in downtown Newport News. The family run business is starting to produce bourbon at the facility.

  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg, 1975 "Germany."

    Buddy NorrisDaily Press archive, Daily Press

    Busch Gardens Williamsburg, 1975 "Germany."

  • Clock in English village of Busch Gardens is already operational;...

    Daily Press archive

    Clock in English village of Busch Gardens is already operational; it says opening time is drawing near. February 1975

  • July 1983. Karen gets a playful nudge from Doc who...

    Daily Press archive/Kenneth Silver

    July 1983. Karen gets a playful nudge from Doc who thinks she's paying too much attention to the dog.

  • Twelve double-decker buses from London were added to the fleet...

    Daily Press Archives

    Twelve double-decker buses from London were added to the fleet at Busch Gardens in 1976. The buses transported visitors to and from certain parking lots.

  • Reporters riding the Big Bad Wolf whiz across the water...

    Dennis TennantDaily Press archi, Daily Press

    Reporters riding the Big Bad Wolf whiz across the water at the foot of the hill.

  • Busch Gardens dedication to ecology shows in the trees and...

    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    Busch Gardens dedication to ecology shows in the trees and flowers which surround the buildings and rides. A crowd waits on the bridge in May 1975 for the park to open.

  • The bar section of Wharf Hill Brewery used to be...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    The bar section of Wharf Hill Brewery used to be a funeral parlor and the middle a pool hall. Owner Lee Duncan has decorated the building with reclaimed furniture and other pieces from old building in Isle of Wight County.

  • Old Country Oktoberfest addition, February 1976

    Daily Press archive

    Old Country Oktoberfest addition, February 1976

  • Michael Koza of Clinton, MD. Saturday became the two millionth...

    Daily Press Archives

    Michael Koza of Clinton, MD. Saturday became the two millionth person to enter Busch Gardens The Old Country this year. Koza, center, his wife Nancy and Children Mike and Karyn recieved lifetime passes to the theme park. Operations Manager Steve Wilson, flanked y Oktoberfest workers, presented the plaque. Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1978.

  • Temperatures inside dragons costume were reported to have reached 120...

    Daily Press archive, Daily Press

    Temperatures inside dragons costume were reported to have reached 120 degrees.

  • The Oak Ridge Boys ride the Big Bad Wolf at...

    Buddy Norris / Daily Press

    The Oak Ridge Boys ride the Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens in 1984.

  • Andretti cuts ribbon (on bridge from Oktoberfest) with sword for...

    Thom SlaterDaily Press archive, Daily Press

    Andretti cuts ribbon (on bridge from Oktoberfest) with sword for opening of Italy! Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1980.

  • aerial from 1970

    Daily Press archive/Jim Livengood /

    aerial from 1970

  • 300-foot bridge will be built between Italy (foreground) and Germany....

    Daily Press archive/Thom Slater

    300-foot bridge will be built between Italy (foreground) and Germany. Rhine River Cruise landing can be seen on right in Germany.

  • Karen Webb enjoys caring for Clydesdales like Doc, who live...

    Daily Press archive/Kenneth Silver

    Karen Webb enjoys caring for Clydesdales like Doc, who live in the Heathersdowns section of Busch Gardens. July 1983

  • Alewerks customers enjoy their beer and games in a small...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Alewerks customers enjoy their beer and games in a small pub set up next to the brewery Tuesday September 22, 2015.

  • Alewerks in Williamsburg serves up their brews in a small...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Alewerks in Williamsburg serves up their brews in a small pub next to the brewery Tuesday September 22, 2015.

  • Cole Crobin, assistant brewer, cleans up mash tun to prepare...

    Sangjib Min / Daily Press

    Cole Crobin, assistant brewer, cleans up mash tun to prepare next day's beer production at Williamsburg AleWerks on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. The AleWerks has been a local microbrewery since 2006. They make seasonal beers like Pumpkin Ale and other year-round ones.

  • October 1984. The four Clydesdales weighed in at almost7,500 pounds...

    Daily Press archive/Scott Kingsley

    October 1984. The four Clydesdales weighed in at almost7,500 pounds during their first weigh-in at th ebrewery.

  • Busch Gardens' $5 million super-thrill ride, the Loch Ness Monster,...

    Bea Kopp / Daily Press

    Busch Gardens' $5 million super-thrill ride, the Loch Ness Monster, is under construction in March 1978.

  • Merry-go-round at Busch Gardens.

    Jim LivengoodDaily Press archiv, Daily Press

    Merry-go-round at Busch Gardens.

  • The Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens in 1984.

    Dennis Tennant / Daily Press

    The Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens in 1984.

  • The Village of France is taking shape at Busch Gardens...

    Daily Press Archives

    The Village of France is taking shape at Busch Gardens in 1974.

  • The four-act Circus Europa, playing its second year at the...

    Daily Press archive, Daily Press

    The four-act Circus Europa, playing its second year at the Old Country Busch Gardens, Williamsburg in 1979.

  • herb Knoblock, animal attenant, holds two day old baby donkey....

    Daily Press archive

    herb Knoblock, animal attenant, holds two day old baby donkey. October 1981

  • The great swing of Oktoberfest at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1979.

    Thom Slater / Daily Press

    The great swing of Oktoberfest at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1979.

  • March 1976. The bridge, when finished, connects Germany and Oktoberfest.

    Daily Press archive/Bea Kopp /

    March 1976. The bridge, when finished, connects Germany and Oktoberfest.

  • Geoff Logan, a brewmaster, is shown with Pumpkin Ale at...

    Sangjib Min / Daily Press

    Geoff Logan, a brewmaster, is shown with Pumpkin Ale at Williamsburg AleWerks on Thursday, October 11, 2012. The AleWerks has been a local microbrewery since 2006. They make seasonal beers like Pumpkin Ale and other year-round ones.

  • The young lady in the front seat pretty well shows...

    Daily Press Archives

    The young lady in the front seat pretty well shows what a thrill it is to ride the "Glissade Toboggan" in 1975.

  • Busch Gardens' "Kaleidoscope II" is a snappy salute to American...

    Daily Press Archives

    Busch Gardens' "Kaleidoscope II" is a snappy salute to American song and dance. (1981)

  • Kathy Brasher decorates the tops of cheesecakes at Busch Gardens...

    Dave BowmanDaily Press archive, Daily Press

    Kathy Brasher decorates the tops of cheesecakes at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1982.

  • Sky-lift over England at Busch Gardens, May, 1975

    Daily Press archive

    Sky-lift over England at Busch Gardens, May, 1975

  • The monorail track is put into place at Busch Gardens...

    Daily Press Archives

    The monorail track is put into place at Busch Gardens in 1974.

  • Oozlefinch Brewry cellar man Ben Baumann moves hot water into...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Oozlefinch Brewry cellar man Ben Baumann moves hot water into a tank in preparation to clean it in their new facility on Fort Monroe Thursday August 11, 2016.

  • Russ Tinsley, Ben Bauman and brewmaster Austin Shawinsky are almost...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Russ Tinsley, Ben Bauman and brewmaster Austin Shawinsky are almost ready to start serving up craft beer at Oozlefinch Brewry on Fort Monroe Thursday August 11, 2016. The new brewery will open to the public September 3rd.

  • The entrance to England at Busch Gardens under construction in...

    Ransy Morr / Daily Press

    The entrance to England at Busch Gardens under construction in 1974.

  • Tea cup ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1987.

    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    Tea cup ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1987.

  • Beer barrels are stored at Williamsburg AleWerks Oct. 11, 2012.

    Sangjib Min / Daily Press

    Beer barrels are stored at Williamsburg AleWerks Oct. 11, 2012.

  • Megan and Zach Moats of the group Lovecats performs at...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    Megan and Zach Moats of the group Lovecats performs at St. George Brewing on Friday, March 20. Local ordinances had to be changed to allow live music in the building that is zoned for industrial activity.

  • Alewerks in Williamsburg serves up their brews in a small...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Alewerks in Williamsburg serves up their brews in a small bar next to the brewery Tuesday September 22, 2015.

  • Virginia's local craft beer industry on the rise

    Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press

    Virginia's local craft beer industry on the rise

  • Roman Rapids ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1988.

    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    Roman Rapids ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1988.

  • The historic building where Wharf Hill brewery is located is...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    The historic building where Wharf Hill brewery is located is decorated with reclaimed wood pieces from around Isle of Wight County.

  • An employee works inside the Alewerks Brewery in Williamsburg. Two...

    Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press

    An employee works inside the Alewerks Brewery in Williamsburg. Two Alewerks beers recently won medals at the Virginia Craft Brewers Fest. Lover's Greed won gold in the speciality beer category and Bitter Valentine won silver in the imperial IPA category.

  • Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

  • Old Country France, June 1975

    Daily Press archive/Jim Livengood

    Old Country France, June 1975

  • Russ Tinsley, Ben Baumann and brewmaster Austin Shawinsky are almost...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Russ Tinsley, Ben Baumann and brewmaster Austin Shawinsky are almost ready to start serving up craft beer at Oozlefinch Brewry on Fort Monroe Thursday August 11, 2016. The new brewery will open to the public September 3rd.

  • Riding the Loch Ness Monster roller coaster at Busch Gardens...

    Jim LivengoodDaily Press archiv, Daily Press

    Riding the Loch Ness Monster roller coaster at Busch Gardens were Miss USA Judi Anderson and Mrs. Virginia/USA Robin Shadle.

  • Ms. Benson and a guest named Fuzzy get acquainted at...

    Herb Barnes / Daily Press

    Ms. Benson and a guest named Fuzzy get acquainted at the kennel at Busch Gardens in 1982.

  • Two Alewerks beers recently won medals at the Virginia Craft...

    Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press

    Two Alewerks beers recently won medals at the Virginia Craft Brewers Fest. Lover's Greed won gold in the speciality beer category and Bitter Valentine, shown Aug. 27, 2014, won silver in the imperial IPA category.

  • Balmoral Train at Busch Gardens in May 1975.

    Thomas Slater / Daily Press

    Balmoral Train at Busch Gardens in May 1975.

  • The first production barrel of bourbon being aged at Ironclad...

    Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press

    The first production barrel of bourbon being aged at Ironclad Distillery in downtown Newport News.

  • Owen King stands inside Ironclad Distillery in downtown Newport News....

    Jonathon Gruenke / Daily Press

    Owen King stands inside Ironclad Distillery in downtown Newport News. The family run business is starting to produce bourbon at the facility.

  • Snoopy dolls, teddy bears and ring toss await visitors to...

    Buddy NorrisDaily Press archive, Daily Press

    Snoopy dolls, teddy bears and ring toss await visitors to the arcade at Busch Gardens.

  • America On Ice Show at Busch Gardens in 1985.

    Daily Press Archives

    America On Ice Show at Busch Gardens in 1985.

  • Riders exiting Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens in 1978.

    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    Riders exiting Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens in 1978.

  • Alewerks in Williamsburg serves up their brews in a small...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Alewerks in Williamsburg serves up their brews in a small pub next to the brewery Tuesday September 22, 2015. The brewery took home 13 awards in VEER magazines's Golden Tap Awards on Tuesday.

  • Owen King, a distiller at Ironclad Distillery, points out equipment...

    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    Owen King, a distiller at Ironclad Distillery, points out equipment controls. The family-run business was still ramping up in this file photo.

  • Evening shot at Busch Gardens in 1981.

    Daily Press archive, Daily Press

    Evening shot at Busch Gardens in 1981.

  • Dancers in their street clothes are practicing the "Celtic Fire"...

    Judith Lowery / Daily Press

    Dancers in their street clothes are practicing the "Celtic Fire" show.

  • August is craft beer month in Virginia. Melissa Bailey, brewery...

    Emily CarriganDaily Press / Daily Press

    August is craft beer month in Virginia. Melissa Bailey, brewery representative and events coordinator for Alewerks Brewing Company, said the Chesapeake Pale Ale is the type of beer you'll want to sip on while you're at the beach.

  • Craft beer lovers gather at St. George's brewery Tuesday evening...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Craft beer lovers gather at St. George's brewery Tuesday evening Sept 15, 2015 for taco Tuesday. The brewery host many events and fundraisers that bring the community out to help good causes.

  • A broad boardwalk would take visitors over a wooded ravine...

    Daily Press Archives

    A broad boardwalk would take visitors over a wooded ravine to the entrance of Busch Gardens. (Sept. 1974)

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    Thom Slater / Daily Press

    In 1981 Todd Brown, center, dressed as Shakespeare, cuts Busch Gardens' birthday cake as Cliff Williams and Valerie Saalvach, dressed as Romeo and Juliet watch.

  • Craft beer lovers gather at St. Georges Brewery Tuesday evening...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Craft beer lovers gather at St. Georges Brewery Tuesday evening Sept 15, 2015 for taco Tuesday. The brewery host many events and fundraisers that bring the community out to help good causes.

  • Joe Courniyer (left) keeps close watch on 2 year old...

    Daily Press archive, Daily Press

    Joe Courniyer (left) keeps close watch on 2 year old Chris Garrison of Hopewell, VA back in 1977.

  • Joe Carvalho bird Show at Busch Gardens. Michael goes for...

    Dennis Tennant / Daily Press

    Joe Carvalho bird Show at Busch Gardens. Michael goes for two points in 1984.

  • Costumed characters in Old Country Busch Gardens.

    Joe FudgeDaily Press archive, Daily Press

    Costumed characters in Old Country Busch Gardens.

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    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    Marketer Kara King and distiller Owen King stand inside the distilling room of Ironclad Distillery in downtown Newport News.

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    Judith Lowery / Daily Press

    Scott Kennedy checks on a barrel he has been clamping down in preparation for the reopening of Brass Cannon, a local brewery that has moved from Toano to Williamsburg.

  • Soap Festival at Busch Gardens in May 1985. From left,...

    Daily Press Archives

    Soap Festival at Busch Gardens in May 1985. From left, Susan Lucci, Vincent Irizarry, Terry Lester, Greg Marx, Sherilynn Wolter and Steve Bond.

  • Al Jolson's classic song, "Swanee" is performed during the musical...

    Daily Press Archives

    Al Jolson's classic song, "Swanee" is performed during the musical revue "Kaleidoscope II" at Busch Gardens in 1981.

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    Tara Bozick / Daily Press

    Gray Bowditch (left), Marti Caldwell and Dan Powell (right), shown in June 2015, plan to open Tradition Brewing in Newport News this year with two other partners.

  • Das Festhaus a 2,000 capacity beer hall was officially opened...

    Daily Press archive, Daily Press

    Das Festhaus a 2,000 capacity beer hall was officially opened today at the Old Country in Busch Gardens Williamsburg, The German style hall, was part of a multi-million dollar addition this year called Oktoberfest. 50,000 balloons were released to commemorate the occasion. Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1976.

  • Gov. John Dalton and August A. Busch III address the...

    Herb Barnes / Daily Press

    Gov. John Dalton and August A. Busch III address the crowd at the opening ceremony of the Loch Ness Monster in June 1978.

  • Kara, Stephen and Owen King stand in front of the...

    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    Kara, Stephen and Owen King stand in front of the Ironclad Distillery building in downtown Newport News.

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    Jim Livengood / Daily Press

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  • Das Festhaus a 2,000 capacity beer hall was officially opened...

    Daily Press archive, Daily Press

    Das Festhaus a 2,000 capacity beer hall was officially opened at the Old Country in Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Fifty thousand balloons were released to commemorate the occasion. The German style hall, was part of a multi-million dollar addition during 1976.

  • Die Katzchen, a mini-roller coaster, is oiled and ready to...

    Buddy Norris / Daily Press

    Die Katzchen, a mini-roller coaster, is oiled and ready to run in May 1976.

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A group of Hampton businesses are launching a series of seafood dinner cruises for the summer starting Saturday.

Seafood market Graham & Rollins partnered with Miss Hampton II, a tour boat company, earlier this spring to form Crabtown Cruises.

“This is being demonstrated elsewhere,” said Johnny Graham, with Graham & Rollins. “Why not do it in Crabtown?”

Each journey is two hours and has two menu options. One is a steamed dinner of blue crabs, shrimp, clams, corn on the cob, andouille sausage and potatoes. The other is an ala carte menu of shrimp, clams, oysters and blue, snow and red crabs. A full cash bar is available.

The cruise will be $35 per person without food. The steamed dinner adds an additional $34, and feeds two, while the ala carte menu starts at $24.99.

Lynn Turnage, with Miss Hampton II, said it was a no brainer when she heard the idea.

“Anything to promote the waterfront,” she said.

Boarding time is 5:30 p.m. for Saturday, 3:30 p.m. June 23 (a jazz-theme cruise to tie into the Hampton Jazz Festival) and 5 p.m. June 30. Cruises embark from the Hampton Maritime Center (710 Settlers Landing Road).

Additional cruise dates will be announced at a later time.

More info: GrahamandRollins.com/Cruise or 757-986-0599.

Bacon Bash

Bacon Bash returns 7-9 p.m. Thursday for a fourth straight year courtesy of the Rotary Club of City Center.

A dozen restaurants will compete for the best bacon-inspired dish, voted on by attendees. Restaurant participants include The Grey Goose, Travinia, County Grill and Smoke.

Beer, wine and bourbon tastings are included, as well as live entertainment from jazz band Good Shot Judy.

Tickets are $50 with proceeds benefiting organizations including Peninsula Foodbank, Versability, Mayor’s Book Club and Peninsula Reads. The event is at the Virginia Living Museum (524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News).

More info: baconbash.org or 757-595-6866.

Food & Wine Festival

Busch Gardens annual Food and Wine Festival returns Friday with new treats and drinks.

The Williamsburg park will have 15 themed kiosks for guests to sample food and drink not normally offered. Three of the kiosks feature new tastes, including from India, the Mediterranean and an island frozen drink kiosk featuring mojitos, sangria and more.

Additional menus feature cuisine from Asia, Canada, Caribbean, Germany, Hawaii, Ireland and Spain.

Also part of the Food and Wine Festival is Wine on the Rhine, a river cruise with food samplings and a glass of wine, plus chef demonstrations around the park.

Ticket options include:

*Food & Wine Festival Food & Beverage Sample ($45): Mix and match 10 entrees, desserts, beer, wine or specialty beverages from any of the kiosks.

*Food & Wine Festival Deluxe Food & Beverage Sampler ($60): Mix and match up to 15 items.

*Wine Tasting Trio ($31.95): Access three of the park’s five wine tasting options.

More info: buschgardenswilliamsburg.com or 757-229-4386.

Feed the Streetcar 390

A group trying to raise money to restore the sole remaining Hampton streetcar will have a restaurant takeover Thursday at Papa Ciccio’s (87 Lincoln Street, Hampton).

The restaurant will donate 20 percent of proceeds sold from 5-9 p.m. to the Streetcar 390 Project, named after the last remaining streetcar that traveled between Hampton and Newport News. It is currently stored at the Baltimore Street Car Museum.

More info: hamptonstreetcar390.com.

Black can be reached by phone at 757-247-4607.