VermontBiz Prepare to embark on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away as Southern Vermont's premier event invites you to celebrate May The Fourth Be With You Day. Delight in interstellar concoctions, rebel-approved eclectic vendors, and a jedi-worthy feast. Savor exotic brews, gather around blazing lightsaber fire pits, and toast to the finest homebrews in the galaxy! All this and more awaits you at the 14th Annual Southern Vermont Homebrew Festival on Saturday, May 4th on Depot Street in Bennington, Vermont.
Brewing a Galactic Sensation
Established in 2015, the Southern Vermont Homebrew Festival has become a beacon for homebrewers across the cosmos. This year, festival organizers Hopridge Farms and the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce are transforming the event into a Star Wars-themed extravaganza, featuring the most out-of-this-world homebrews from Tatooine to Endor.
A Galaxy of Tastings
Festival-goers can expect unlimited tastings of an array of beverages, including beer, wine, cider, mead, and more. Over 30 homebrewers from across the galaxy will be offering more than 120 artisanal samples to savor and enjoy.
Competing for Galactic Glory
This year's festival invites the galaxy’s top homebrewers to vie for the title of "Best Home Brewery." Other awards, based on patrons' votes, include Favorite Beer, VIP Hour Beverage, and Favorite Non-Beer Beverage. Plus, we have a very special award this year to honor our good friend and festival supporter Seth Barrows of Farm Road Brewing who unexpectedly passed away last December. We are assembling a panel of professional judges that will judge one entry per homebrewer and pick their top 3. The winner will be crowned the Seth Barrows/Farm Road Brewing Award Winner.
A Galactic Festival Like No Other
Matt Harrington, Executive Director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, explains what sets this year's festival apart: “We wanted to create an immersive Star Wars experience, complete with otherworldly brews, galactic tunes, and maybe even some spice-infused concoctions. By scheduling the event on May The Fourth, we aim to unite fans of both craft beer and Star Wars for an unforgettable celebration.”
A Platform for Aspiring Brewers
The Homebrew Festivals have empowered many budding brewers to transition into professional roles, further enriching the craft beer scene in the region. Over the past seven years, the festival has inspired numerous amateur brewers to enter the professional industry. One brewer joined a local brewery as their brewery master, while five others have opened up their own breweries across different star systems.
“As these festivals have evolved since the first one in 2015, a constant has been the incredible beverages brought by the home brewers,” said Will Gardner, Founder and Co-Organizer of the festivals. “We have created a home brewing family from across the galaxy, and it's like a gathering of allies. Most of the brewers know one another exclusively from meeting at the festival and look forward to interacting with each other twice a year. In addition to the home brewing family, we have cultivated a relaxed, fun, and inclusive atmosphere. This is the essence of our planning, and we are thrilled to see it come to life festival after festival.”
Ticket Information
Jedi Masters with VIP tickets can enter at noon for an exclusive tasting session, while general admission runs from 1 pm - 4 pm. Purchase tickets at www.vthomebrewfests.com. Each ticket includes unlimited sampling and the chance to vote for the winners. Designated Driver/Non-Drinking tickets are also available.
Acknowledgments
The organizers would like to extend gratitude to this year’s sponsors: Presenting Sponsor Coggins Auto Group, VIP Hour Sponsor Vermont Construction, Brewer Sponsor The Bank of Bennington, and Best Dressed (Star Wars theme) Fidium Fiber. Special thanks to the TPW Real Estate, our venue host, and media sponsors, The Bennington Banner and CAT-TV. They would also like to thank supporting partners Ramunto's Pizza, J.K. Adams, and Hannaford of Bennington.
Vendors Add a Splash of Variety
From food trucks serving Wookiee-sized grilled cheese sandwiches and Bar-B-Q to artisan pottery inspired by distant planets, the festival promises an array of delights for every galactic palate. Here is a list of vendors: Outdoor Secrets Unwrapped Hot Sauce, Ardent Flame Candles, The Melted Cheesiere, Vermont Print Shop, Uzume's Pots, Highland Ledge Farm, Hangry Hogg, Hoppy Valley Farm, Threat Neutralized Bakery, and Taylor Farm Hemp Co.!
For more information and to secure your tickets, visit www.vthomebrewfests.com.
May the splendor of the galaxy and the spirit of camaraderie be with you this season at the Southern Vermont Homebrew Festival.
