Hundreds turn out for Barrington brew fest
As many as 800 beer connoisseurs descended on downtown Barrington Saturday to sample new concoctions and old favorites at the 11th annual Barrington Brew Fest.
Jade Peters and Jeff Votava, both of Schaumburg, waited in line for more than an hour to be the first through the gate.
"It's great," Peters said, "better than any beer fest in Chicago."
Many beer lovers were adorned with pretzel necklaces, which are used to cleanse the palate between samples of the beer.
Nearly 50 brewers occupied and the tasters filled the parking lot of the village's downtown Metra station for the yearly fest, which comes one day after wine enthusiasts packed the same space for the Uncork Barrington wine festival.
The beer fans also enjoyed food from local eateries like McGonigal's, Big Iron Horse BBQ and Ruth's Chris Steak House.
All proceeds from the event benefit the Barrington Area Council on Aging, which provides local seniors services such as Meals on Wheels.
Joyce Palmquist, executive director of the Barrington Area Council on Aging, expects to raise $60,000 to aid in housing assistance and counseling on medical insurance and Medicare.
"We've been blessed, only a few rain drops," she said. "Rain or shine, this group loves beer,"