PHOENIXVILLE >> Beer and wine aficionados are sure to get a kick out a new fundraiser that aims to help the local library.
The first-ever Phoenixville Beer and Wine Festival is coming to the Kimberton Fairgrounds, 762 Pike Springs Road, Phoenixville, Saturday, May 13 from noon to 4:30 p.m. The rain or shine event benefits the Phoenixville Public Library, a registered 501c3 Pennsylvania non-profit organization, which will receive 50 percent of the proceeds. The library serves a diverse region through access to information, technology, social networking, and educational programming, according to the festival’s website. The 21 and older event will focus on products from local, independent breweries and wineries for guests to try.
Tim Hennessey, one of the event’s organizers, said it was the success of the Pottstown Brewfest that inspired organizers to look into creating a similar event in Phoenixville.
“A family in Phoenixville came to the Pottstown Brewfest and said why not do something down this way?” he said. “We looked into it. The library was looking to do a spring event. I approached them and said I have a successful event in Pottstown. What do you think? And we moved forward with it,” he said. “They’re a great partner. Phoenixville is a booming area with an interest in high quality events.”
The event kicks off at noon with the VIP hour where guests can sample specialty chocolate and cheese to pair with their beer and wines. Tickets are $65. Among the highlights of the hour will include sample of the Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald porter, brewed using coffee beans from Steel City Coffee House. Another beer, the Stable 12 imperial stout, is being brewed with all Phoenixville ingredients, including chocolate from Bridge Street chocolate and an infusion of candied bacon from Your Mom’s Place. Then it will be aged in bourbon barrels from Phoenixville’s Bluebird Distillery.
“It’s awesome,” Hennessey said. “They’ve never done a special in the town beer before. It’s so cool. We’ll probably do that in Pottstown too. I’m excited. If nobody else drinks it, I will.”
From 1- 4:30 p.m., the general admission portion of the event begins. Tickets to that are $40. Unlike the Pottstown Brewfest, Hennessey said about 10 wineries will be on site, along with various beers and ciders. Local distilleries including Bluebird, will also offer samples of liquor and mead.
“The best parts of Pottstown we’re putting into the event in Phoenixville,” he said. “It’s a trendy area. People down that way looking high quality events.”
For full details, visit www.phoenixvillebeerwinefestival.com
