Originally published in The Blade on Thursday, March 6, 2008
BY RYAN E. SMITH
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Beer fans in Toledo, your time has come.
For those who enjoy downing a cold, frosty brew, there will be plenty on hand at tomorrow's Glass City Beer Fest. For others who just want to keep the empty can, lots of them and other "breweriana" will be on display Saturday at the Beer and Brewery Collectibles show.
First, the suds.
The beer fest will feature the products of more than 25 breweries, including Maumee Bay Brewing Company, Goose Island, and Great Lakes Brewing Company. Each ticket - $25 in advance, $30 at the door - is good for 12 three-ounce tastes, with additional tastes costing $1. Food will be sold separately and live music will be provided by 56DAZE from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
The second annual event is a fund-raiser to benefit the Northwest Ohio Hemophilia Foundation and the Arc of Lucas County.
Last year, more than 800 people took part in the foam-filled frenzy, said Carla Wells, executive director of the Northwest Ohio Hemophilia Foundation. She said the organization wanted to have a fund-raiser that would be fun, involve the community, and add something new to Toledo.
"There is no major beer festival here where people can get hand-crafted microbrewed beer," she said.
A showcase of breweriana - items associated with breweries and beer - would seem a natural follow-up, and the Beer and Brewery Collectibles show on Saturday promises everything from cans to coasters.
"It's kind of like a craft show without the crafts," explained John Huff, vice president of the local Buckeye chapter of collectors. An electrician who has more than 400 beer signs in his collection, Huff said the show is expected to have more than 60 vendors with bottles, advertising, and other interesting collectibles. It's a great place for amateur or veteran collectors or anyone looking for something cool to display in their home, Huff said.
"It's a phenomenal attraction for anyone wanting to decorate a bar," he said.
The Glass City Beer Fest will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. tomorrow at the Erie Street Market Civic Center Promenade. Tickets are $25 in advance from The Andersons' stores or $30 at the door. Information: 419-724-BREW.
The Beer and Brewery Collectibles show will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Local 14 UAW Hall at 5411 Jackman Rd. Admission is $2.
John Huff poses with his lighted beer sign collection, which is housed in a large building complete with a bar, at his home in Temperance, Mich. (BLADE PHOTO/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY)
