by Betty T. Arnold

RICHMOND
The Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest is a celebration of Virginia craft beer and the ingredients that make it distinctive. Enthusiasts will get unlimited tastings of craft beer from over 30 independent Virginia craft breweries during the Oct. 6-8 weekend of the State Fair of Virginia at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. Farm-to-table and barley-to-brewery scene enthusiasts will want to attend the Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest and register for the Barn Appetit dinner on Oct. 6. This will make a great Friday night with friends. The Fair is full of live music, which is included in admission. “Yacht Rock” legends, Three Sheets to the Wind, will be playing as will other great acts such as Firehouse, Phil Vassar, Sandy Shortridge, and Tyler Hughes and Sam Gleaves.

“Partnering with the State Fair has been a goal of ours since our founding. This is a great opportunity to expand Virginia craft beer and craft beer tourism in the Commonwealth,” said Betty Arnold, Virginia Craft Brewers Guild Member Services Director.

Participating breweries will be independent, small, commercial breweries from Virginia, including Virginia’s farm breweries. Each brewery will offer a sessionable beer and one of their flagship brews. Malt, honey and hops producers from Virginia will also be part of the Fest, demonstrating the direct tie to agriculture. Ticket holders can learn how these brewers develop distinctive flavors, what ingredients they use and experience the passion they put into every ounce of their products.

“The State Fair at its core is a celebration of agriculture, and we are thrilled to feature the Virginia craft beer movement at this year’s event. It’s a great way to show the direct tie between agriculture and a very popular home-grown, commercial product, all amidst the family fun of the fair,” said Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, executive director of the State Fair of Virginia.

The Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest will run 2 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 6-8. Tickets to the Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest are $15 per person and require an accompanying admission ticket to the State Fair. Ticket sales begin Sept. 1, at https://blueribboncraftbeerfest.eventbrite.com. Tickets for the State Fair of Virginia are on sale now at https://2017statefairofvirginia.eventbrite.com/.

BETTY T. ARNOLD is the VCBG Member Services director. Contact her at either 804-709-1326 or barnold@vamanufacturers.com.