Spring means lots of things to different people. As we shake away the winter weariness, some celebrate the longer days and outdoor activities, while others denounce the season as the bringer of chores, bugs and allergies.
Whether praising spring or ruing it, the best solution is to drink beer. The additional daylight hours call for brighter flavors to awaken those cold comatose taste buds—with crisp ales, Belgian blondes and lighter IPAs topping the tasting menu during the shortest of seasons.
A good place to sample some spring awakenings will be the 10th annual Spring Craft Beer Festival at Belmont Park Racetrack, 2150 Hempstead Tpke. in Elmont, on April 2. With two sessions—from 12:30 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 9 p.m.—the festival will see more than 50 craft brewers from around the country pouring samples of 100-plus of the finest brews.
The beer lineup, which is growing by the day, already includes Blue Point Brewing Company, Long Ireland Beer Company, Fire Island Beer Co., Samuel Adams, Shipyard Brewing Co., Eastern Front Brewing Co., Great South Bay Brewery, Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer, Sea Dog Brewing Co., Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Small Town Brewery and many more to come.
Tickets are $45 plus tax when purchased online in advance of the event and $55 at the door on the day of the beer festival. Designated drivers are encouraged to attend and can get tickets for $12, but they will not receive a tasting glass and are not permitted to sample any beer. If a designated driver is seen shirking their responsibility by drinking beer, they will be removed from the festival immediately.
Everyone who purchases a ticket to the event is guaranteed entry. Organizers have limited the number of attendees to ensure that everyone who purchases tickets will be able to sample the beers they want and move around with ease. There will be plenty of water and food available for purchase.
Check out the best beers to usher in the spring season:
For more information, visit www.springcraftbeerfestival.com.
