The Kutztown Optimist Club hosts the 8th annual FriendFest benefit craft beer and wine festival for the first time this year.
Previously, Friend Inc. Community Services in Kutztown organized the annual event for the past seven years as a fundraising benefit for Friend’s programs including the pantry which assists Northeastern Berks County families.
“We hope the community gains better knowledge of what the Optimist Club does, all while enjoying some tasty beverages,” said Kutztown Optimist Club President Andy Schlegel.
This year’s proceeds help fund Optimist Club children’s programs. The club will also make a contribution to Friend Inc. to assist Friend to end poverty in rural Northeastern Berks County.
“We also will make sure the money stays in the community. Our motto is, “Friend of Youth.” So when Christmas rolls around, we make sure the less fortunate kids have a gift to open. We also do food drives, blood donations, scholarships, t-ball, basketball, donations to childhood cancer, and many other causes. The list goes on and on,” said Schlegel.
Located in Beltzner Hall at the Kutztown Fairgrounds, 450 Wentz St., FriendFest features live music, food for purchase, and various vendors. The beer and wine festival showcases local breweries and wineries in Pennsylvania and along the east coast. All guests must be at least 21 to attend. Each ticket allows entrance into one of two sessions 3 to 6 p.m. and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., unlimited wine and beer tasting, and a souvenir glass.
Kutztown Optimist Club President Andy Schlegel explained how the event changed hands from Friend Inc. to the Kutztown Optimist Club this year.
“First, the staff at Friend Inc. felt like they were on the verge of losing money the past couple of years. Plus, it was a lot of work just for three directors to organize. In the past we always helped at FriendFest by providing food for the patrons and volunteers. So when they were looking to pass it on, they came to us first,” said Schlegel.
He said the Kutztown Optimist Club has about 100 members, and is known for running some other big events throughout the year such as the Fools Run, Trick or Treat Night, and the Easter Egg Hunt.
“We have a committee of about a dozen guys from our club along with Cathy Dill from Friend, and some other outside volunteers committed to making this a success,” he said.
For this year FriendFest features a few new wineries and breweries, along with some new musical acts, such as The Hannah Violet Trio playing during the 6-9:30 p.m. session.
According to FriendFest on Facebook, www.facebook.com/friendfest, wineries that will be attending this year include Penns Woods Winery, Paradocx Vineyards, Broad Mountain Vineyards, The Vineyards at Hershey, Peace Valley Winery, Jackson Square Vineyards, Folino Estate Vineyard, Stonekeep Meadery, Sandcastle Winery, and Hardball Cider, to name a few.
Breweries that will be attending include Golden Avalanche Brewing Company, Sam Adams, Weyerbacher, Saucony Brewery, Hardball Cider, Troegs, plus various distributors that will have a large variety of samples.
For more information, follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/friendfest or purchase tickets at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/friend-fest-beer-and-wine-festival-tickets-20035006243.
