Where there’s a beer, there’s a way: Central City Fire Department invites the community to volunteer at their family-friendly station. Bottom, right: The Colorado Farm Brewery serves beer made with 100% farm-grown ingredients from their land near Alamosa. Bottom, left: Crowds fill the streets to sample beer from 20 different Colorado breweries.[/caption]

Central City’s love affair with beer, stretching back over 160 years, was in full swing this past Saturday, August 24, 2024, as the Great Central City Beer Fest took over the town.

Starting around 1 p.m., this year’s event, organized by Dostal Alley and the Central City Business Improvement District, was all about boosting local businesses while keeping the community spirit alive – one cold beer at a time.

Foodies weren’t left out in the cold either, thanks to the Bombshells and JKQ BBQ food trucks, dishing out everything from juicy burgers to crispy fries.

Meanwhile, the Central City Volunteer Fire Department had a booth that was equal parts educational and inspiring, reminding everyone why fire safety (and maybe volunteering) is cool.

The BID’s Joe Behm, a key player in the I-70 Coalition and the I-70 Floyd Hill Project, happily reported that over 100 tickets were sold online, with even more folks grabbing theirs on the day of the event. With a turnout like that, it’s safe to say the festival was a hit.

For those who were able to get their hands on a general admission ticket (a solid deal at $50 in advance, $55 on the day), the 1 p.m. entry meant a tasting cup, live tunes, and more beer samples than you could count.

VIPs, however, got the royal treatment, with early entry at noon, access to a private lounge featuring full-sized pours, appetizers, and a live show by the legendary Jimmy Lewis Showband.

A shout-out goes to Dave Thomas, former Coors Master Brewer, and Buddy Schmalz of Dostal Alley, who were the masterminds behind the festival’s success, now in its 12th year.

Even COVID-19 couldn’t keep them down, although 2020 was the year of no Fest. Thomas also stuck around to sign copies of his book, Of Mines and Beer!: 150 Years of Brewing History in Gilpin County, Colorado, and Beyond.

With around 20 Colorado breweries showcasing their best brews, there was a beer for every taste – yes, even non-alcoholic options were on hand! The event’s setting, combined with the mild weather, gave the festival an inviting, cozy vibe that both brewers and browsers just loved.

Two stages pumped out live music throughout the day, with several acts keeping the crowd moving. A particular highlight was Aoxomoxoa, a Grateful Dead cover band hailing from the Front Range.

One brewery that stole the spotlight was The Colorado Farm Brewery. This unique spot is the only brewery in the nation where every single ingredient – from the hops to the barley and even the yeast – is harvested on their estate in Alamosa, Colorado. No mass production here – just farm-to-glass freshness.

The brewery is steeped in history, with roots going back over 80 years when Ray Coody settled in the San Luis Valley. Now, four generations later, his descendants have taken the family’s farming legacy to a whole new level, brewing beer like no one else in the world.

Another local gem, Barrels and Bottles, from Golden, also keeps it fresh by skipping distribution. Their Blue Corn Cream Ale was a crowd favorite, offering a smooth, slightly sweet sip of corn goodness. They’re a rare sight at festivals, so catching them here was a treat.

Mountain Toad Brewery brought an impressive lineup with an IPA, a Belgian, a Blueberry Kolsch, and a Golden Stout that played tricks on the eyes – it looked like a golden ale but delivered the rich flavors of a stout, thanks to coffee beans and cacao nibs soaked in bourbon. Their NatterJack Irish Red, named after Ireland’s only native toad, offered a smooth, caramel-kissed finish.

For a lighter option, Our Mutual Friend Brewery from Denver served up “The Fizz,” a crisp pilsner brewed with 100% Colorado-grown ingredients, packing a refreshing punch at 4.7% ABV.

Ratio Brewing out of Denver wowed the crowd with their saison brewed with carrot juice and elderflower, which snagged a Gold Medal at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival. This brew had a unique sweetness, with a hint of root vegetable bitterness. Fun fact: Vice President Kamala Harris herself once gave this beer her seal of approval, even grabbing a six-pack to go!

The festival wrapped up by 6 p.m., leaving attendees with full bellies, happy hearts, and a head full of memories. But don’t worry – the party’s not over. The next big event from the BID is a spooky Halloween bash, happening on October 19, 26, and 31, from 5-9 p.m. Expect pop-up bars, crystal ball readings, DJs, and plenty of fun. Admission is free!