State College Microbrewers & Importers Exposition

July 28,2000
The State College Microbrewers and Importers Exposition held its Third Annual Festival on July 28, 2000 with 2 sessions 12PM-4PM and 6PM-10PM. We attended the first session and had a great time! This was our second trip to this event in Happy Valley, PA. Next to the GABF, it is by far the best festival we attend during the year. In only three years, attendance has more than tripled and the organization is one of the best I've ever seen. Thanks to all those that staff the event. In command of the troops are co-founders, Michael Goldfine and Greg Somers. I met Greg at the York festival this year and got to see him again at State College. A very hectic day for him, he still took a minute out to say hello and make us feel at home. By 12, the line was down the hall and around the corner and the people anxious to get started. We got in a few minutes early(Thank you, Greg!) and I got a chance to take some pictures before the crowd shuffled in.

The quiet did not last for long! The ladies at the tables were ready and quickly processed the thirsty throng so they could do what they came to do....drink beer! A stamp on one hand, a glass in the other and the festivities began!  Most people started at the door and worked their way around the room, but some, like me, had checked out the program that is printed up with all the breweries and the selections they were pouring and knew where we wanted to go to maximize the tasting of brews we had not tried before. This organization puts in a lot of time producing this very informative booklet that gives an excellent overview of the festival and its events as well as those who make it possible. This is also one of the few festivals that actually provide water stations, both washout and drinking, at the festival...a very nice touch to help keep your glass clean and yourself hydrated.
Another unique element to this Expo is the beer seminars. Every year, they have experts come and talk about a facet of the beer world. This year, Lew Bryson, author of the must-have book, Pennsylvania Breweries (2nd edition now on sale) gave a very animated history of Lucious Lagers with 4 tastings of various styles.....a well-spent hour. Tom Cannon gave a wonderful tutored tasting of Real Ales which we unfortunately missed. Every year, there is a General Tasting Tips seminar for those who would like to maximize their experience. A rating chart was distributed to the attendees so they could give their opinions of the brews tasted and the People's Choice Awards were presented later in the day. At the same time, a professional judging panel was working in another room to decide the winners of the Nittany Valley Brewers Cup Competition which will be posted on their Website. Each year, there has been a different lineup of breweries which helps to keep it new and interesting. Another facet that makes this festival different is the participation of importers which allows   many, who would not think of buying an import, to taste and compare them to the domestic styles. ( A complete list of breweries is on the next page.)
The food at this event is not taken lightly either. The producers make sure that the attendees are well-fed and happy! An eclectic buffet of German Wursts, Andouille Sausage, Chicken Jambalaya, Thai Vegetable Stir Fry, Salads and desserts helped to absorb much of the alcohol and allow you to continue your tastings! No need to worry about driving here either. Special rates at the Penn Stater and other area hotels, allows you to just stumble to the elevator or be shuttled to your hotel by free shuttles from the Expo. WBUS, a local radio station, was providing free cab rides to those who needed it and also special admission rates applied for designated drivers. Planning ahead can certainly save a lot of trouble!!
Greg and Michael have put a lot of thought and effort into making this one of the premiere Festivals on the East Coast and it certainly shows! All bases have been covered and the enthusiast gets the maximum enjoyment from their experience without having to think about anything. Thank you Greg and Michael and to all the staff that works so hard so that we may enjoy ourselves! Make your plans now for next year...July 28, 2001....don't miss it if you can help it!

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