Naperville ale fest warms hearts of beer lovers
What do penguins have in common with beer lovers at the Naperville Winter Ale Fest?
Both species tend to huddle, en masse, sharing body heat and shielding each other from the chilly winds of February.
That's how Mary Lou Wehrli of the Naperville Parks Foundation describes the scene under the tent at last year's fest. The festival donates a portion of its proceeds to the foundation.
“It was a lot of fun,” she said. “I've never seen such a happy line of people waiting to get in.”
When the fest returns Saturday, Feb. 27, for its third year, beer fans will find four tents set up in Frontier Park, just south of 95th Street. While the tents provide a bit of warmth for visitors, organizers said many fest-goers choose to brave the elements and congregate around fire pits set up in a courtyard in the park's parking lot.
“People always ask, ‘Is it truly an outdoor festival in February?' And it is,” said Josh Seago, president and founder of Lou Dog Events, the company presenting the shindig.
Seago said the tents are for the beer as much as for the beer drinkers.
“If it gets too cold, the beer lines will freeze,” he said.
This year, the fest will feature more than 130 different craft brews. Attendees buy an admission ticket for $50 that allows them to try up to 18 three-ounce samples. They also get to take home a commemorative glass. Designated driver tickets, $20, entitle the bearer to complimentary soda and water, but no beer. Pets are not permitted.
Seago said 10 new beers are being introduced this year, including five additional craft brews. Also new this year is a hot cider tent, where hard hot cider will be available.
The infusion tent will be back with beer-based concoctions that incorporate vanilla, toasted coconut, tangerine, grapefruit, cocoa nibs, coffee and toasted pecan flavors into their unique offerings, Seago said.
Seven food trucks will be on-site with grilled cheese, pizza and tacos for sale, he said.
An ice sculptor will demonstrate his skill and musicians will meander through the crowd, he said.
“We have a 12-piece New Orleans-style brass band out there,” he said.
Seago said Lou Dog Events, which presents the Naperville Ale Fest each summer, decided to try a winter festival two years ago.
The first fest drew about 2,000 people. Last year, attendance climbed to 4,400. This year, he said, attendance will be capped at 5,000.
The event benefits the Naperville Parks Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for the Naperville Park District.
“This is our second year partnering with the Naperville Winter Ale Fest,” said Wehrli, the foundation's board secretary.
Wehrli said this year's fest is expected to bring in about $6,000 for the foundation. Those funds will be used primarily for scholarships to help individuals and families in need afford beach passes, sports and class fees and activity center costs.
“It's very helpful,” she said.
Seago said parking will be available in the nearby Neuqua Valley High School parking lot and in a satellite lot at Wheatland Salem Church on the corner of Book Road and 95th Street, which will be served by a free shuttle bus to the festival grounds.
The weather outlook this year looks better than last year's 10 degrees, he said, with forecasters calling for a high of 38 to 40 degrees.
Still, he said, winter gear definitely will be needed.
“Dress like you're going skiing, sledding, like you're going to spend the day outdoors,” Seago said.
Naperville Winter Ale Fest
<b>When:</b> Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
<b>Where:</b> Frontier Park, 3380 Cedar Glade Road, Naperville
<b>Tickets:</b> $50; $20 for designated drivers
<b>Info:</b> <a href="http://napervillewinteralefest.com/">napervillewinteralefest.com</a>