Despite cloudy skies and a little light rain, hundreds of beer enthusiasts from around the region took the Metra to town to attend the 12th Annual Barrington Brew Fest hosted by volunteers working on behalf of the Barrington Area Council on Aging (BACOA). Visitors waited in line for over an hour before they opened the festival gates at 3 p.m. Saturday.
BACOS’s Executive Director, Joyce Palmquist was delighted to see such a strong turnout, despite the unpredictable weather.
“Since Brew Fest started the numbers have climbed by about 100 to 200 each year,” Joyce says. “This year we hosted about 1,000 to 1,200 people.”
With the growing number of tickets sold, Brew Fest has made a few additions to their annual fundraiser, including a revamped VIP area.
“The VIP section has expanded in order to accommodate more guests,” Palmquist says. “We have done a lot to enhance the overall experience of the VIP section, including added shrubbery courtesy of The Barn Nursery to give it more of a beer garden feel.”
Included in the VIP section is the chance to taste a selection of premium craft beers along with perks like early admission.
“Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, there is something here for you,” said Palmquist. “Something you might even enjoy is the pomegranate wheat beer, it’s one of my favorites.”
Thanks to Grand Brewmaster Sponsor, McGonigal’s Pub, Barrington Brew Fest offered over 100 craft beers on tap as well as a variety of local eats. All beer products were donated by local and visiting brewers.
“I love hearing Brew Fest goers tell others how much fun they’re having,” said Palmquist. “Aside from raising money for BACOA, my biggest hope is to put on a quality event where people want to come back year after year.”
All proceeds from Brew Fest will help support programs brought to us by the Barington Area Council on Aging, also known as BACOA. Founded thirty years ago, BACOA exists to promote vibrant, healthy aging by providing activities, education, and support to adults and caregivers. BACOA serves approximately 1,200 individuals a year and assists the community in the following ways:
Information on housing options or in-home care services * Meals-with-Wheels * Enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid * Counseling on insurance, benefits and Medicare Part D * Support and education groups for seniors and caregivers * Activities and programs for active seniors * A day respite program for older adults * Educational programs and services for the community on issues related to aging
For more information, visit BACOA.org and you can watch for details about next year’s festival at BarringtonBrewFest.com.