Enjoy a brew and some tunes while supporting charity
Beer lovers and fans of live music will fit in perfectly this weekend in downtown Elgin, when the city holds its seventh annual Elgin BrewFest.
This is the second year the BrewFest will serve as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin, a decision made by event organizers after the original sponsor, Prairie Rock Brewing Company, shut down in 2008.
"It's always been an event that's taken place, and people in the community always look forward to it, some even more so in the recent years since we've closed the company," marketing director Jodi Triest said.
This will also be the first year that the festival does not include any microbrews, which Triest said resulted from a low participation rate with local breweries.
"Instead, the festival will be sponsored by a local Budweiser vendor, and guests will be able to choose from a large selection of premium beers," she said.
Seven Illinois bands will take the stage during the two-day fest, three performing in the evening on Friday and four on Saturday.
There will be plenty to eat as well, with Roadhouse, Pete's BBQ, Elgin Public House, Mr. Funnel Cake and Red Bar among the food vendors.
Triest said there was no exact local goal when booking the bands, but is proud to say that they are as local as they can get.
The event will occur rain or shine, and cancellation is only an option under discretion from the city of Elgin and Elgin Police Department officials. Triest said she and event organizers are hoping for cooperative weather, but time will be the true judge.
Elgin BrewFest takes place from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, June 18 and 19, in Festival Park, Elgin.
Although the event is free, wristbands with a valid photo ID are required to purchase alcohol. Food, soda, water and wine sales are cash only, and dogs, coolers and bikes are prohibited.
All proceeds from the two-day event will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin.
For information, e-mail info@elginbrewfest.com or visit elginbrewfest.com.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>
<p class="News"><b>What:</b> Elgin Brewfest 2010, featuring wine, beer, food and music</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Festival Park, 127 S. Grove Ave., Elgin</p>
<p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> Admission is free</p>
<p class="News"><b>Details:</b> <a href="mailto:info@elginbrewfest.com">info@elginbrewfest.com</a> or <a href="http://elginbrewfest.com" target="new">elginbrewfest.com</a></p>