Over 175 beers, more than 100 local sponsors, and hundreds of patrons gathered at Stramler Park April 28 for the 15th annual Festival of Beers presented by the Active 20-30 Club of Bakersfield.
Over the last 14 years, the Active 20-30 Club has raised more than $540,000 through the festival to support various local charities.
The Active 20-30 Club of Bakersfield donate proceeds to M.A.R.E., Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Kern County, Boys and Girls Club, Kern County Firefighters Association Burn Foundation, Police Activities League, and 15 other local charities.
From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. the beer flowed, multiple bands played, and the food was devoured from various restaurants and catering companies.
Upon entering, patrons received a plastic cup for tasting, and a card with 40 boxes to be marked off for each sample.
There was also a VIP area under a tent, where VIP ticketholders recieved a special cup and unlimited tasting.
Sound Choice, Midnight Panic, Haysfield, and Fallout: The Police Experience performed throughout the day, attracting sparatic crowds of people becoming more and more intoxicated by the sip.
Fronted by David Rasner, and hailing from Los Angeles, Fallout: The Police Experience gained a healthy crowd, playing later in the day, and performed Police cover songs which everyone seemed more familiar with.
Budweiser, Sol, Corona, B.J.’s, Sierra Nevada, Michelob, Rolling Rock, and Fat Tire were just a few of the beers available for tasting.
Local brewhouse Lengthwise was also in attendance pouring samples for eager tasters.
Along with beer on tap, BJ’s handed out free slices of pizza. Some booths handed out hot dogs to go with their beer, while Champs BBQ offered free tri-tip sandwiches and salsa.
The festival was a great place to gather with friends and peers to try new brews for a good cause.
Sonya Carrillo, 23, of Bakersfield said she really enjoyed the event and “would love to attend next year and bring more friends. I had no idea it was such a popular event. After trying the various beers, I would have to say that Red Stripe was my favorite. Surprisingly, I had never tasted it before.”
For more information on the Active 20-30 Club of Bakersfield, or to become a sponsor of next year’s Festival of Beers, visit www.active2030.org.