3rd Annual DIY Street Fair to serve up more than 30 brews from 14 Michigan-based producers
FERNDALE, MICHIGAN, September 9, 2010 – What’s more fun than exploring a local outdoor marketplace on a late summer afternoon? Doing it with a craft brew in hand. Or how about watching some of the best original bands in the area on an outdoor stage? Or tasting delicious, healthy food from favorite Ferndale restaurants? Or watching your neighbor’s kids climb a rock wall?
Yep. As any of the organizers of the annual DIY Street Fair (DIYSF) in Ferndale might say, good beer enhances just about any experience – which is a big reason why their event has grown to become a popular local favorite as it embarks on its third year.
Beer enthusiasts will converge on the event site when it becomes a 23,000 sq. ft. beer garden serving up specially selected craft brews from 14 Michigan-based beer and beverage producers. Over 30 varieties will be available, including IPAs, lagers, porters and seasonals – some of which are entered into this year’s Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO, happening over the same weekend.
Here, Michigan is a great state to be making beer. In spite of the challenges of the economy, the state boasts more than 80 breweries, microbreweries and brew pubs (yup, there’s a difference amongst those), many of which do not distribute product beyond state borders. Each is strongly supported by fans of beer and beer festivals where hundreds of varieties of uniquely crafted and branded Michigan brews are enjoyed and celebrated year after year.
The DIYSF beer tent, coordinated by Greg Burke, brew master at Woodward Avenue Brewers (“The WAB”) and active leader in the Michigan Brewer’s Guild, falls well within the mission of overall fair; to celebrate do-it-yourself creative and entrepreneurial endeavors occurring in the local community.
The brewing companies represented at DIYSF – and the brewers themselves – may just be the epitome of DIY spirit. “Opening and running a successful craft brewing establishment is often a very personal endeavor which takes persistence and creativity,” said Burke, “but above all, most owners do it for the love of what they produce and the people who enjoy their products.”
DIY Street Fair takes place September 17, 18 and 19 in Ferndale on the East side of Woodward Avenue just South of 9 Mile Rd. Admission is free. Patrons can enjoy food from 6 Ferndale-based restaurants, live performances from local, original bands, more than 100 vendors offering art, innovations and unique hand-made products, and a Kids Zone with shows, hands-on activities and learning experiences for children of all ages. Beer Tent Hours: Friday 9/17 6PM-Midnight, Saturday 9/18 Noon-Midnight, and Sunday 9/19 Noon-9PM.
“Unlike an outdoor bar or beer festival, there’s so much to see and experience at DIYSF,” said Chris Johnston, WAB co-owner and DIYSF founder. “For beer fans, it’s a purely unique atmosphere here for one weekend out of each year.”
Information:
DIY Street Fair: http://www.diystreetfair.com
Michigan Brewers Guild: http://www.michiganbrewersguild.org
Great American Beer Festival: http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com
Woodward Avenue Brewers: http://www.thewabsite.com
Contact:
Kristin von Bernthal
newsroom@diystreetfair.com
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