Buffalo Rising Online

Jul 20th 2007, 1:40pm By Adam Fix

This year's Buffalo Brewfest is quickly approaching, and it promises to be the biggest and best one yet. The final logistical details are currently being hammered out, including placement of the (greatly expanded) bathroom facilities, entertainment for the designated drivers, and crowd management.

Russ Pawlak, President of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation Board of Directors, says, “we expect a crowd of 4,000 people this year, up from the (roughly) 3,300 of last year.” He stresses the importance of the better bathroom facilities this year, as “last year the smoking area was right in front of the bathrooms, which made it look like the lines were even longer than they were.” This year the smoking area has been moved, and there will be adequate facilities for a crowd of 4,000.

The breweries represented at this year's festival are excellent. Although “it's true that many of the same breweries (that were featured in last year's event) are returning, they are not allowed to bring the same beers,” according to Carla LiVecchi, Marketing/Development Coordinator for Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center. This rule should increase the variety and creativity of the available samples.

Speaking of “samples,” this year the event has moved to a token system, meaning that with your ticket you will receive 20 tokens, each good for one tasting (that's 60 ounces of beer). “We went up to the festival in Montreal, and this is how they (and all the big festivals) do it,” says Mr. Pawlak, “it's about tasting, not guzzling.” If you're set on guzzling and 20 tokens just won't cut it, additional three-ounce samples can be purchased at $1 each.

Food vendors will be on hand as well. The four confirmed vendors at this point represent a great variety of foods that work well with craft beer. The German cuisine of Ulrich's Tavern was born to pair with beer. Steel Drums' Caribbean, Ike & BG's Barbecue, and Pizza Plant are all no-brainers as well. More food vendors may be added as the date approaches.

Designated drivers will be admitted for free (they must be 21 or older to enter, however). A special section will be set aside for them and will have free snacks, pop, coffee, and water. Movies and videos about the Central Terminal will be screened. Other entertainment will be available as well but is still to be determined.

A list of this year's breweries can be found at the Brewfest website. It includes some impressive names. Flying Bison will be featured, as the hometown brewery. Their stand will be located within the old marketplace section of the Terminal (for those of you who attended Artists & Models, that's where the main stage was set up for the musical acts). The other breweries will line the walls of the main concourse. Large and bright signs will clearly direct attendees to the brewery of their choice.

All the proceeds of this event are going to the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation and Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center, so don't worry, no one's making any money off of you (except good causes). Besides, the money will be well worth it: getting a chance to meet and talk to some of the guys (and girls) who brew your favorite beers, while sipping on their latest creations, is sure to be a great time. You can purchase tickets through the Brewfest website (linked above). The event will likely sell out again this year, so make sure you get them soon.

Addendum

In the weeks leading up to Brewfest, upcoming Beer in the City articles will take a look at some of the best brews that will be available at the event, to help give you an idea of what to look for when you're there. With that in mind, if there is a specific brewery or beer you'd like to hear more about, please let me know!