By Jamiee Joiner

Originally published in the Snyder County Times
Friday, August 2, 2024 

The 16th Annual Selinsgrove Brewfest was held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in downtown Selinsgrove with nearly 1,500 people in attendance. Brewfest is Selinsgrove’s prime summertime festival which draws visitors from near and far looking to sample some of the delicious beers offered from the region’s best breweries.

The weather was the best it has been for as many years as I can remember at the festival. It was a nice 84 degrees and sprinkled for a few minutes which was just enough to cool off the attendees without putting a damper on the day. Visitors strolled down University Avenue sampling the various beers, spirits, and wines from nearly thirty different brewers, five wineries, and six distilleries.

Delicious pretzels were available from David’s Awe- some Pretzels as you entered the festival, and the wide variety of food options included beef sliders from Bot’s Tavern, boneless chicken wings from Buffalo Wild Wings, Stromboli from Bella’s Pizza, pork sliders from Smokehouse Fixx, egg rolls from Bamboo Palace, broccoli roll ups and tomato pie from Villa Teresa, walking tacos from The Selinsgrove Hotel, cheese and pepperoni pizza from OIP Xpress, and hot dogs and pizza from Susquehanna University Catering. Thank you to all of the local businesses for their continued partnership and support including major event sponsor, Weis Markets, Inc., who graciously donated ice and bottled water and sponsored the tasting glasses.

Local Band, Kinsey, of Northumberland, performed on the Brewfest stage during the day playing crowd favorites. Tom Troutman was the sound man for the band’s performances.

The Selinsgrove Brewfest was the result of two years of brainstorming for the perfect fundraiser to support downtown Selinsgrove between co-founders, Carol Handlan and Jeff Reed which has resulted in one of the best brew festivals around. What makes it even better is that all of the proceeds from the Selinsgrove Brewfest go directly back into the revitalization projects which benefit downtown Selinsgrove.

Festival goers received a special bottle cap when they entered the gate which they used to cast their vote for their favorite brewery, winery, or distillery and which would be used to determine the 2024 People’s Choice Awards. This year, Eclipse Craft Brewing, of Sunbury, earned the award for Best Brewery and Best Overall at Brewfest which earned them the honor of hosting “Ol’ Leaky,” the barrel that displays the yearly overall winners engraved upon it. PA Alers Homebrew Club won in the Best Homebrewer category. Hawstone Hollow Winery of Lewistown took the Best Winery Award, and Jack-Azz Distilling, LLC, of Spring Glen, Pennsylvania won for Best Distillery.

I inquired into what sets the Selinsgrove Brewfest apart from other festivals. Brewfest Committee Chair, Carol Handlan said, “I believe it’s because we have such great volunteers and we run a very organized event where our main focus is on our vendors and attendees. Furthermore, what sets us apart from other festivals, is the fact that we have the owners and brewers or their knowledgeable staff pouring; not volunteers who know nothing about craft beer.”

The consensus throughout the day of the festival from both attendees and vendors was overwhelmingly positive. I spoke with Rusty Rail President, Rich Schrader who said, “Brewfest is the most well-organized and best festival hands down. Volunteers are friendly and helpful. You don’t have to ask. They all have friendly attitudes, and you never feel like a burden.”

Derek Fisher of Pineknotter Brewing, whose brewery won Best Overall for the last three years said, “I like Brewfest because of the camaraderie with the other brewers, and it helps to get your name out there some more each year.”

John Frampton, Brewer at Boxcar Brewing in Dubois, Pennsylvania, stated “I like this town and the brew pub. It’s one of the original brew festivals, and they treat the brewers so well.”

First-time vendor, Hawstone Hollow Winery, stated “A big thank you for allowing us to attend. The festival has to be one of the best organized we have been to. The staff were so kind, and helpful to us. We just can’t say enough about you guys. Great People. You will see us next year.” First-time attendee, Anne Oliver stated “First time at this festival and not the last! Our favorite Brewfest we have ever had the pleasure to attend! Food, drink, vendors, and entertainment were excellent. So well run. Thanks to all that make this festival possible!” Retail vendor, Kris Witman of Whimsical Wonders stated, “I wanted to thank you for another GREAT year! We did amazing as always. Had repeat and new customers! It was awesome as always!! Thank you so much!! Can’t wait for next year!! Cheers!”