KAMLOOPS — The second annual BrewLoops festival culminates tonight with the event’s block party outside Red Beard Cafe on the North Shore.
BrewLoops showcases the craft beer industry both in Kamloops and across BC.
Organizer Mitchell Forgie says the event’s popularity is growing.
“This event last year was 275 people, we sold out. This year we did 650 and we sold out seven days in advance, so I think people like it. I think people had fun when they were here, and they’ve just been telling more and more people,” said Forgie.
Forgie says people seem to be gravitating toward craft beer because of how the industry promotes an intimate, community spirit rather than a product that is mass-produced.
“I don’t think that craft beer is anything that we are convincing people of anymore. I think people have realized that it’s a fantastic product, and it is a great way to support your local community. The local breweries have a lot more invested in their communities.I think overall it’s part of an emerging culture of sharing, helping out and being more community-minded.”
If you are one of the lucky ticket holders, there is plenty to take in at the event.
“We’ve got three bands playing on the stage. We have a little bit of an entertainment surprise in form of a ferris wheel, which I think is pretty fun. We have 14 breweries here, a couple cideries. So you’re going to be able to go into Red Beard, get some food. We’ve got a few food trucks out on the street. Basically it’s beer festival meets music festival.”
