Mountaineer Brewfest pours into Heritage Port Saturday
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WHEELING -- Downtown Wheeling’s Heritage Port will once again be home to food, music, craft beer and entertainment Saturday when the 12th annual Mountaineer Brewfest gets underway.
The annual celebration of West Virginia craft beer has raised more than $320,000 for local charities through festival proceeds and matching tips generated by Circus Saints and Sinners.
This year’s beneficiary is the Wheeling YMCA, which recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation to its headquarters that included updated fitness spaces, improved child care areas and enhanced recreational facilities.
"The Mountaineer Brewfest committee is planning for another unforgettable Brewfest on Saturday," Brewfest Founder and President Jeff Hayes said. "There will be wild and wonderful West Virginia craft breweries, great local food trucks, and incredible entertainment. We sincerely thank everyone who has attended, sponsored, volunteered, and supported the Mountaineer Brewfest over the years, helping us raise more than $320,000 in support of local charities."
Wheeling YMCA Executive Director Adam Shinsky said his organization is excited to be part of the festivities and called Mountaineer Brewfest one of the premier events of the summer.
"The dedication and effort of its committee have made a meaningful impact, serving as a game changer for several nonprofit organizations in our community," Shinsky said. "The Wheeling YMCA is truly grateful to have been selected as this year's recipient. This support comes at a critical time, as the Wheeling YMCA is serving more individuals and families than ever before."
West Virginia breweries and cider makers participating this year include Köerber Beer Company, Fox Hops Brewery, Big Timber Brewing, Parkersburg Brewing Company, Mountain State Brewing Company, Old Spruce Brewing, Abolitionist Ale Works, Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company, Hawk Knob Appalachian Hard Cider, Freefolk Brewery, Screech Owl Brewing, Fife Street Brewing, High Ground Brewing, Halleck Brewing Company, Charleston Nano-Brewery, Bridge Brew Works, Stumptown Ales, The Peddler, Short Story Brewing, Weathered Ground Brewery and Bad Shepherd Beer Company.
Hayes said the event would not run as smoothly without the more than 100 volunteers who contribute their time each year.
"The Wheeling Alers bring their expertise to the festival by managing our WV Craft Beer competition and work the taps at many of our Brewer tents," Hayes said. "The Circus Saints and Sinners attend to the taps in our beer garden and raise additional funds for our charity through tips with matching sponsor donations, and the Wheeling Lightningbirds also work the taps at many of our brewer tents."
Entertainment on the main stage will feature The Trainjumpers at 4:30 p.m., North to Nashville at 6:30 p.m. and headliner Pulse at 8:30 p.m. Grace Campbell will perform during the VIP hour at 3 p.m.
VIP entry begins at 3 p.m., with general admission starting at 4 p.m. The festival ends at 10 p.m.
Attendees must be at least 21 years old and have a valid photo ID. The event will be held rain or shine.
General admission is $45 and VIP admission is $80. Designated driver tickets also are available.
Tickets can be purchased through the Mountaineer Brewfest website, Facebook page and Eventbrite or at Yourkovich & Associates, 246 Kruger St., Wheeling.