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Area beer festivals help local non-profit organizations
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Photo by a thirsty Sarah Lancaster
“It’s not as oppressive as it was yesterday.” This is not the most flattering way to describe our Tampa Bay weather, but it’s probably accurate. Lately the heat and humidity have been nearly unbearable. Aside from driving up to the Great Lakes, about the only way to escape these conditions is to keep a steady supply of cold beverages within drinking distance.
Thankfully, local organizers have sensed the area’s thirst for variety. The next few weeks should be a cool change for Florida beer connoisseurs, as craft beer lovers will have the rare opportunity to sample a diverse collection of beverages from all over the world. And in case the alcohol alone doesn’t motivate festival attendees, each of the following events will be donating proceeds to a worthy non-profit organization.
This is only the second time the Mahaffey Theater has hosted this event, but last year’s turnout was huge so this year’s expo has expanded. A $30.00 ticket gives guests a tasting glass and four hours to sample over 100 beers. Like last year festival-goers will also receive a “passport” to make notes and keep track of what’s been sampled.
For $20.00 more, the serious beer enthusiast can take part in pairings; entrees, cheeses, and chocolates will all be paired with complementary craft beers. Short classes and seminars are available for anyone interested in home brewing, starting a brewpub, or learning how a beer judge separates the best from the rest.
Proceeds from The Craft Beer Expo will go towards saving the mansion at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park. The sugar plantation in Ellenton is the last known plantation home in South Florida.
The Craft Beer Expo will be held at Progress Energy Center’s Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg on Saturday, July 18. Beer sampling occurs from 3 PM to 7 PM, while folks with food pairing tickets can imbibe from 2 PM to 7 PM. Tickets are available at the Mahaffey box office or on-line through Ticketmaster. Mahaffey Theater is located at 400 1st Street South in St. Petersburg.
This neighborhood bar has been serving delicious microbrews for several months, but they never had a “proper” grand opening. If it’s anything like an ordinary day in Dunedin, this celebration should be kegs full of fun.
House of Beers offers a large selection of bottled beers, but the amazing 40 draught beers should be enough to satisfy most aficionados. The beer list changes frequently so regulars don’t get bored. Frequent visitors can “ride the rail” by trying each beer on the chalkboard. Forty holes punched on their rail card wins them a free t-shirt.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Eggers will be tending bar Saturday night after the 6:30 PM ribbon-cutting ceremony, and his tips will be donated to Dunedin Doggie Rescue. Dunedin House of Beers is located in downtown Dunedin at 927A Broadway.
- Lowry Park Zoo’s Wazoo Festival
After 13 years of holding the annual Wazoo event, Lowry Park Zoo has gotten pretty good at throwing a party. This year should be even more exciting with the addition of the new air-conditioned Safari Lodge. With more than 200 beverage choices and some wonderful local eats, Wazoo is an event many Tampa Bay residents look forward to year after year.
General admission tickets for unlimited beer and food samples cost $50.00. Although beer is the focus, those who prefer wine can purchase a “Wines on the Wild Side” pass for an additional $10.00. Designated drivers are welcome at the festival for a mere $20.00. Arrive hungry; the food offerings were abundant in years past.
The animals will not be on exhibit during the festival, but a few friendly animal ambassadors greet guests upon arrival. That being said, this is not an evening to bring the kids to the zoo. Hire a sitter, call a cab, and enjoy a night under the stars while supporting one of the best family attractions in the Tampa Bay area.
Wazoo will take place Saturday, August 1 at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Tickets may be purchased until July 31 on-line or over the phone at 813-935-8552 extension 296. Lowry Park Zoo is located at 1101 West Sligh Avenue in Tampa.
For more info: Want to know more about beer before you hit the festival? Learn from one of the best.
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