Craft beers driving success of Naperville's Winter Ale Fest
If you think craft beer has become a craze in recent years, you're right.
In the $100 billion beer market, craft sales rose nearly 20 percent in 2013 and made up more than $14 billion in sales for that year, according to data from the Colorado-based Brewers Association.
And in 2012, Illinois ranked 11th in the number of craft breweries now operating here (83 of them that year, but more have opened since).
That's why Josh Seago, founder and president of Lou Dog events, says he's amazed the Naperville Winter Ale Fest is our state's only full-scale, outdoor winter craft beer festival.
"It's hard to believe, since we are used to harsh winters and lots of snow," he said. "So why would that stop beer enthusiasts?"
It turns out, it doesn't.
Seago's event company will bring the Ale Fest back to Naperville's Frontier Park from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, for the second year and he expects roughly 4,000 participants. Last year's inaugural fest drew about 2,500 in the middle of a punishing winter, but he expects this weekend will be kinder.
Tickets are $45 and details are available at napervillewinteralefest.com.
"Our numbers look strong so far," he said. "I think people are seeing the depth and complexities of craft beer and seeing all that it is. It's beyond what they're used to with mass-produced beer."
The event features more than 130 unique beers from more than 60 craft breweries around the country, with some of the sampling in heated tents. Those who brave the cold are rewarded with fire pits, propane heaters and live ice sculpting.
The fest also will feature live music and goodies from popular Chicago-area food trucks and entertainment by The Four Star Brass Band, a Chicago-based, New Orleans-style ensemble.
Tickets are $45 and include a sampling of more than 130 craft beers and a program guide, as well as a commemorative festival glass.
A portion of the fest's proceeds will benefit the Naperville Parks Foundation, which serves as an advocate for local parks and open spaces.
Seago said the funds will specifically be directed toward the Naperville Park District scholarship program, which provides scholarships to families in the community that can't afford to participate in programs such as camp, ballet or soccer.
Since the foundation was founded in 2011, members have focused part of its resources on the scholarship program because need levels have tripled since 2008, park officials said.
"The need continues to grow, even though we're beyond the recession," said Sue Omanson, park district community development manager. "And we believe park programs can be a help to people who are going through difficult times like financial struggles, due to the exercise, stress relief and new friends they provide."
If you go
What: Naperville Winter Ale Fest
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28
Where: Frontier Park, 3380 Cedar Glade Road, Naperville
Tickets: $45
Info: napervillewinteralefest.com