Beer Lovers Head To Downtown Olympia For Oly Brew Fest

The site of the Oly Brew Fest, on August 18th, will be the Port Plaza.
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dicks brewing sponsorA consummate lover of beer and wine, Mike Marohn has traveled to a number of brew festivals over the years.

Drawing on his previous experience promoting events, concerts and parties, Marohn was motivated to bring a brew fest to Olympia.

“The Oly Brew Fest pays homage to our community’s rich history of brewing,” says Marohn who drives past the empty Olympia Brewing Company site every day.

His other motivation – raising money for the Thurston Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Incubator.

“The purpose of the incubator is to assist start-ups and expanding businesses.  It removes many of the hurdles, expenses and overhead, as well as providing technical business assistance,” explains Thurston County Chamber President/CEO, David Schaffert.

The site of the Oly Brew Fest, on August 18th, will be the Port Plaza, located in the heart of downtown Olympia.

Chris Murphy, co-owner of Marv’s Marvlus Pit BBQ, supports the cause as well.  “We believe that the Chamber’s incubator is an excellent resource for local entrepreneurs.  We will be giving 10% of our profits from the festival to support the program,” he says.

In its inaugural year, the Oly Brew Fest is bringing more than 30 breweries to the Port Plaza in downtown Olympia.  (For a complete list of breweries, click here.)

“I’ve visited more than 20 brew fests across the US and am convinced that the Port Plaza, next to the Port of Olympia and the Farmers Market, is the most enchanting setting,” describes Marohn.

Beginning at noon on Saturday, August 18th, the Port Plaza will be filled with Northwest breweries pouring tastes of their craft.  The entry fee of $25 buys six tastings and a commemorative glass.  Additional tastes are $6 for six tastes.

Marohn personally invited each brewer.  “I wanted the event to feature the best breweries to attract people that truly appreciate beer,” says Marohn who is thrilled with the commitment by all the brewers.

“Mike is a customer and when he told me about the Oly Brew Fest, I knew that I could not say no,” comments Rich Dirk, owner of Elk Head Brewery of Buckley.  Dirk typically only visits one brew fest, in Port Townsend, each year.

“We enjoy coming to brew fests to reach our customers,” says Al Brown, owner of Big Al Brewing in Seattle who describes his brewery as “very balanced with a good malt base.”

Similarly, Bob Casey of Harmon Brewing Company in Tacoma states that he is coming because “we are always looking for exposure.”

Dick’s Brewing Company will also be pouring tastes.  “As a local brewery, we take pride in supporting our local community.  We’re excited to have a beer fest in Olympia and look forward to meeting other craft beer enthusiasts,” states owner Julie Young.

An aerial view of the Port Plaza where the Oly Brew Fest will be held on August 18th.

Taste M.T. Head Brewing Company’s new summer ale or try the craft brewer’s IPA, Bravo for Apollo.  “Like a lot of craft breweries, we try to make a quality product that our customer enjoys,” says owner Tim Rockey who brews beer in Graham.

“The Oly Brew Fest is an opportunity for you to talk directly with the brewer,” adds Brown.  “If you are enjoying a beer in a tavern or buying bottles off the shelf, you don’t have the chance to understand why the brewer makes the choices he does.”

“Attending the Oly Brew Fest gives you an opportunity to try many different beers and a lot of different styles,” comments Casey.

“Each brewery has its own way of interpreting style,” adds Dirk.  Sample Elk Head Brewery’s Tipronic, with lemon, limes and orange flavors or taste Blast Zone, their spicy chili beer.

“Compare the same beer styles from different breweries,” encourages Casey.

In addition to breweries, Marohn has also organized food vendors that compliment drinking beer.  For example, Fish Tale Brew Pub will be serving bratwurst and pretzels and the Chehalis Tribe will cook salmon over an open fire.  Locally owned Bonjour Cupcakes will serve cupcakes and savory breads.

A visit to Marv’s Marvlus Pit BBQ stand will be a treat.  Choose from a pulled pork sandwich, Piggly Pops (bacon wrapped meatballs on a stick with roasted pineapple habanero sauce), or the Big Pig Plate.

“The mix of slow smoked BBQ and the crisp hoppy flavor of an IPA beer are the perfect partners to dance in your mouth,” states Murphy when describing how beer and Marv’s Marvlus Pit BBQ go together.

Live entertainment from three bands will complete the evening.

“Events like the Oly Brew Fest provide a culture within our community and links back to our history,” summarizes Schaffert.

Oly Brew Fest

www.olybrewfest.com

Saturday, August 18th

Noon – 10:00 pm

Port Plaza in downtown Olympia

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