“Get out of this winter’s icy chill and join us for the 7th Annual FriendFest Beer and Wine Festival,” invited Friend Inc. Community Services in Kutztown.
“FriendFest is an annual benefit beer or wine festival featuring live music, delicious food, and various vendors, with all proceeds going to help end poverty in rural Northeastern Berks County,” according to the invite.
“We hope people have a good time for a great cause and at the same time learn about Friend, Inc. The goal is to raise $25,000. The funds raised from FriendFest go to the programs at Friend including the pantry,” Friend Inc. Executive Director Sandra Wise writes to The Patriot. “Our services provide assistance to Northeastern Berks County families.”
The 21-or-older event featured entertainment from Kutztown bands Frog Holler and the Wallace Brothers Band, and each ticket allowed entrance into one of two sessions, with no extra charge for beer and wine tastings, a hoagie, and a souvenir wine or beer glass. Sessions were held from 3 to 6 p.m. and from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Beltzner Hall, Kutztown Fairgrounds.
“This year there are new beers and wines for tasting as well as new vendors,” writes Wise.
According to the invite, “Local breweries and wineries in Pennsylvania and along the East Coast showcase their products to hundreds of attendees.”
Breweries include Golden Avalanche Brewing Company in Kutztown; Kutztown Brew Crew; Saucony Creek Brewing Company in Kutztown; Evil Genius Beer Company in West Grove; Guinness; Lagunitas Brewing Company from California; Sly Fox Brewing in Pottstown; Susquehanna Brewing Company in Pittston; Troegs Brewing Company in Hershey; Victory Brewing in Downingtown; Weyerbacher Brewing Company in Easton; Yards Brewing Company in Philadelphia.
Wineries include ADAMS Vintners in Annville; Buddy Boy Winery & Vineyards in Duncanno; Long Trout Winery in Auburn; Peace Valley Winery in Chalfon; Sand Castle Winery in Erwinna; Sorrenti’s Cherry Valley Vineyards in Saylorsburg; Stonekeep Meadery in Boyertown; Tolino Vineyards in Bangor.
Vendors included beer grain dog biscuits from Brewscuits, LLC; beer cap earrings from Cookie Lee Jewelry – “Beerings”; Mike Dawg’s Sauce LLC; Pretzel Revolution in Kutztown; Red Hawk Premium Peppers; soaps and coasters by Sheila Sacks Designs; Swisher Sweet Cigars from SwisherXtreme; The Bacon Jams; Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski; and jewelry with gems and beads from Urban Charm.
For more information, visit www.friendfest.org.
