By Chris Frost
EAGLE TIMES NEWS EDITOR
CLAREMONT, NH — The community and beyond celebrated and sampled craft beers and ciders on Saturday, Sept. 16, as the Claremont Brewfest continued its mission to change the lives of Sullivan County children by raising much-needed funds.
The event is the primary fundraiser for the Claremont Kiwanis Club, said Brewfest Chairman Mike Dewey, who loves the event and feels it’s the best Brewfest anywhere.
“This is why I joined the Kiwanis Club,” he said. “When the opportunity came to us to hold this event to raise money for children throughout Sullivan County, it was a win-win.”
Dewey said organizing the event takes a considerable effort, and 12 people serve on the Brewfest committee.
“We start planning it in January,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but many hands make light work. Everybody on the committee is passionate about the event.”
Claremont City Councilor At-Large Nicholas Koloski ran Blackbeard’s Cove Adventure Golf, which he owns, and people tried their luck at mini golf.
“This is an awesome community event,” he said. “We brought our miniature golf green, and anyone getting a hole-in-one gets a free round of golf at our miniature golf course.”
Pat Draper from Feathered Friend Brewing Company poured a bourbon barrel-aged stout and steam beer.
“This is my eighth year doing this event,” he said. “It’s a well-oiled machine. Whenever you need ice, they take care of you and are very attentive.”
Weathersfield School PTO sold popcorn, pretzel necklaces and snack mix to raise money to support the students, staff and school community.
“We got the popcorn from the Claremont and Springfield Cinemas,” said Carrie Jewell. “We do free book events and give out prizes. We love to support everything about Weathersfield School.”
Claremont Kiwanis Club President Suzanne Boynton and her group grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for volunteers who spent much time helping.
“This is how we raise funds to change the lives of children,” she said. “The Brewfest is a great community thing. It’s one of our top fundraisers and world-class. You can go to a lot of Brewfests, but you won’t see one this organized.”
Gina Smith loves sour beers.
“This is my third year at the Brewfest,” she said. “This is fun, having a day out without the kids.”
Her husband, Justin Smith, loves sour beers and session IPAs.
“On a hot day, I’ll drink something cheap, but I enjoy a good beer at night with dinner,” he said. “We run into a lot of people we know, and it’s good beers with good people.”
Matt Steele and Dee Belez love all the beers on tap.
“It’s first pour, so have some more,” Belez said.
Steele loves the event’s community aspect.
“Kiwanis does so much for the community, and it’s great that this is one of the largest ones in the state,” he said.
Claremont City Manager Yoshi Manale looked forward to having a great day.
“I’m excited because a lot of people come to Claremont for this event, and it brings the community together,” he said. “You can feel the energy. People are proud to showcase their beers and see Claremont. The Barn Cafe was packed, and those people went walking downtown.”
Newport Economic Development Coordinator Allison Browning loves all the camaraderie.
“Seeing the community come out each year to celebrate an event is always fun,” she said.
Kate and Ted Wadleigh love the Brewfest.
“We came last year for the general admission, but we upped it this year to the VIP,” Kate said. “I love the cider.”
Ted agrees and also loves the Northwoods Cider.
“That’s the best one,” he said.
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