STORY WRITTEN BY ERIC FITZSIMMONS
efitzsimmons@21st-centurymedia.com
@efitzsimmons08 on Twitter
Chalfont >> The Lansdale Beer Tasting Festival has never been a hard sell in an state rich with craft breweries and brewpubs, so it is no surprise that people were excited to buy tickets as soon as they went on sale on March 26.
“Even before we were officially started we had sold 10 tickets, all to the VIP,” said Michael Parzynski, one of the organizers of LBTF.
Tickets for the 2015 festival went on sale March 26 at the Blue Dog Family Tavern in Chalfont starting at 6 p.m., or just before six as Parzynski explained.
For those who missed the kickoff event, tickets were to be made available on the LBTF website, www.lansdalebeerfest.com, starting the next day, March 27, and will be sold at Lansdale’s First Friday events and the Lansdale Farmers’ Market, according to Parzynski.
Drew Stockmal, president of the LBTF said the event sold out the last two years and, he said, he expects them to sell out even sooner this year.
“When they’re out, they’re out … if people have been there and have enjoyed it, I recommend they get their tickets earlier rather then later,” Stockmal said.
The LBTF is an annual event organized with the Lansdale Area Fundraising Society at which attendees can, “sample some of the best regional and national craft beers,” with proceeds going to benefit local charities including the Lansdale Public Library, Manna on Main Street and the Lansdale Farmers’ Market.
According to Parzynski, the event was founded as a way to raise money for local causes, and is still focused on keeping the money local and making an impact.
The 2015 LBTF is scheduled for Saturday, June 27.
Drew Stockmal, Mike Panachyda, Joe Butler and Mike Parzynski for the Lansdale Beer Tasting Festival at their Ticket Kickoff event March 26 at Blue Dog Family Tavern in Chalfont.
Photo by Eric Fitzsimmons/Digital First Media
Blue Dog Tavern is a premier sponsor of the LBTF and has been a partner since the beginnings in 2010, according to Stockmal. He said they have been having the kickoff event there every year that they have had a festival.
By 6:30, people around the bar could be seen with their own tickets stashed in souvenir glasses from the 2014 festival, which the organizers were giving out at the kickoff event.
Among these early ticket-buyers was Bill Waterburg who attended the event the last two years and wanted to be among the first to buy VIP tickets for this year’s event.
“It’s a great time to spend with a lot of friends and other people who enjoy tasting different beer,” Waterburg said.
A number of ticket options are available on the website, including standard, Designated Driver and VIP, which includes early admission and some exclusive beers.
Parzynski said the popular Brewmaster Series from last year is being brought back at which attendees get to hear about the beers from the brewmasters and try beer and food pairings.
He said this year the Brewmaster Series has been broken off into a separate event on Friday evening, June 26, but that those interested could save $10 by purchasing a bundle of the Brewmaster Series with VIP admission to the main event.
According to Stockmal, the organizers try to improve every year.
“This year, we’re trying to get a better layout, we’re trying to expand the space. We’re still going to have unbelievable beers. Every year we try to improve our beer list and how we deliver the experience,” Stockmal said.
For more information on the LBTF, visit its website, www.lansdalebeerfest.org or follow @LansdaleBTF on Twitter.
People who bought tickets for the 2105 Lansdale Beer Tasting Festival at their ticket kickoff on March 26 received glassware from the 2014 festival.
Photo by Eric Fitzsimmons/Digital First Media