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Lombard Ale Fest returns with more than 100 beers

Great food, great beer, great location.

That's what organizers of the second annual Lombard Ale Fest say visitors can expect when they stop by Lilacia Park Saturday in downtown Lombard.

“The venue just doesn't get any better for an ale fest,” said event Chairman Bob Difino.

More than 100 beers and ciders will be available for sampling during the festival, which runs from 1 to 5 p.m.

Two Lombard brewers — Flesk Brewing and Noon Whistle Brewing — will be at the festival, along with Pollyanna, Revolution, Solemn Oath and Two Brothers, all from the Chicago area.

Four hard cider brewers will be at the event too, including Angry Orchard, Crispin, Vander Mill and Virtue.

Other brewers include 51st Ward, Allagash, Break Room, Dog Fish, Emmett's, Firestone Walker, Left Hand Brewery, Lagunitas and Kona Brewing. In total, more than 50 craft breweries from around the country will be serving beer.

Difino said many of the brewers are bringing special beers for the event.

Guests will have an opportunity to visit with and discuss techniques and ingredients with about 10 home brewers in a tent sponsored by the Spent Grain Society. Some of the beers that will be available in the tent include a mango wheat, Belgian wit, imperial red ale, raspberry ale, stout and American hoppy beer.

Food offerings include pizza from Gianorio's; chicken, ribs and fries from Miller's Lombard Ale House; pork chops and burgers from Shannon's Deli; and meat and vegetarian pies from Bridgeport Pasty.

“The community is really excited about it,” Difino said, adding that he has had numerous requests for lawn signs advertising the event.

Difino is expecting between 1,500 and 2,000 visitors, depending on the weather. He said ticket sales this year are already up by about 25 percent.

Roughly half of ticket purchasers live in Lombard. The other half come from neighboring communities, including Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn and Villa Park, but also Chicago, Geneva and Lisle.

VIP tickets are $70 and grant attendees access to the festival an hour early, at noon. The tickets include 15 drink tickets, a commemorative glass, a food voucher and a festival T-shirt.

General admission tickets are $40. They also include 15 drink tickets and a commemorative glass.

Each ticket can be exchanged for a 3-ounce sample. Guests can purchase up to 10 additional tickets for 50 cents each.

Designated driver tickets are also available. For $15, designated drivers will gain entrance to the event, along with complimentary soda and water and a commemorative glass. VIP designated driver tickets are $25, which includes early entry at noon, soda and water, a glass, a festival T-shirt and a food voucher.

Proceeds will go toward the Glenbard East Booster Club and Lombard Town Centre.

At 6 p.m., shortly after the festival ends, the first Cruise Nights of the summer will begin on the north side of the train tracks. Guests are welcome to check out some classic cars and enjoy a performance by Buzz Kilman and the Blues Rocket Scientists until 10 p.m.

“We think many of our people, again, will go and spend time in downtown Lombard,” Difino said, adding that the festival will be over in time for guests to catch the Blackhawks game.

Tickets will be available at the gate, but only if they don't sell out before Saturday, so advance ticket purchase is encouraged. To order tickets or learn more visit www.lombardalefest.com.

If you go

What: Lombard Ale Fest

When: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 13

Where: Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave.

Cost: $40 general admission, $70 VIP; designated driver tickets also available for $15 general admission and $25 VIP

Why: To raise money for the Glenbard East Booster Club and Lombard Town Centre

Info: lombardalefest.com

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