Fest-of-Ale draws thousands

PENTICTON – The suds flowed freely on the weekend at the Penticton Convention Centre during the 20th annual Okanagan Fest of Ale.

More than 4,000 people participated in the tasting event that showcased beers and ciders from 47 producers.

Changes to the event this year included an outdoor section and a pop-up, on site liquor store which allowed those attending to make purchases, a first for the festival since recent changes to the province’s liquor laws.

Okanagan Fest-of-Ale Chair Randy Kirkoski says virtually every hotel room in Penticton was booked this weekend. He says those attending came from the Okanagan, the Lower Mainland, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Best of Show award went to Smoke and Mirrors from Coal Harbour Brewing in Vanouver.

Locally, Okanagan Spring Brewery in Vernon won for its 1516 Bavarian Lager, while Twisted Hills Craft Cider of Keremeos won for its Kingston Twist cider.

People’s Choice Award for best beer went to Cannery Brewing of Penticton for its Narmata Nut Brown Ale. Best Food accolades went to Penticton’s Burger 55, while the Roland Allen Trio of Penticton was named best band.

The festival is not only a mecca for beer enthusiasts, it is also a fund raiser for local charities. In its 20 year history, the Okanagan Fest-of-Ale Society has provided over $500,000 in net proceeds back to the community.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.