Cold, carbonated and perhaps translucent liquid rushed down tight throats during an 87-degree warm-up in Bakersfield April 26, the day in which the 16th Annual Festival of Beers was celebrated.
The smell of beer was in the air even before the line of people came in and gulped it down.
“We are officially open,” said the announcer as Stramler Park began to fill up with soon-to-be stumbling people.
However, black boxes of pizzas were lined up and stacked for guests to sample, along with BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery’s Beer. Grills Gone Wild Catering and Champs BBQ were also present to provide food to help patrons soak up alcohol.
An abundance of volunteers supervised the handling of beer and made sure that each sample taken was marked by a hole punch in sample cards.
Festival of Beers, which was put on by the Active 20-30 Club of Bakersfield, hosted numerous booths of beer to sample, such as Samuel Adams, Sapporo, Sierra Nevada, Sparks and Stone.
After 45 minutes worth of sampling 10 beers, Heather Zunton prefers Sierra Nevada.
“(I like) all of them,” said Zunton’s fellow beer buddy Sara L’Angooin as she giggled. “I’m a connoisseur. I don’t have a favorite, but I like the energy drinks. Sparks is really good.”
Many uncommon beers were sampled as well, such as Newcastle Brown Ale, Anchor and Rogue beers. American Laser Center participated by handing out various Pyramid beers.
However, there were also more common alcohols present for the uncommon taste buds such as Miller, Budweiser, Corona, Tequiza, Smirnoff, Fosters, Coors, Icehouse, Mickey’s and Mike’s various lemonades.
L’Angooin, though, did not care for Miller Light nor Miller Genuine Draft.
Others, such as Zunton, could not remember the name of the worst beer sample.
“I forgot the name of it,” said Angel, who was currently on his sixth sample. “It was some (red) wine back there.” According to an article in Bakotopia, Fetzer Vineyards debuted this year, showcasing their wines to beer connoisseurs.
BJ’s, Moosehead Lager, Firestone Walker and Lengthwise Brewery were just a few more beer booths surrounding the tables that were set up in front of the main stage.
The main stage opened with Seed showcasing their reggae-rock style while playing a few favorites from Tom Petty and Social Distortion. Soulajar and Velorio soon followed.
Music was played on each side of the park. Walking was like changing radio stations. Cigar smoke bellowed from 17th Street Cigar Company while seemingly outgoing people participated in a hula-hoop contest nearby in front of Good Time Entertainment.
“Right now, I’m having a great time,” said Stefani Rogers while her hair was being prepared. “I’m waiting to get ready so we can take pictures and model out here for everyone.”
Though festival participants had to pay $20 extra to get their hair done by Norma’s Beauty Salon, the $40 entry, beer and food proceeds will benefit children’s charities such as the Boys and Girls Club.
Even donations made in volunteers’ names will go to help a children’s charity.