13th Annual Bigfork Brewfest sees large turnout
TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 2 months AGO
Stacia Fuzesy with Golden Triangle Brewing out of Fort Benton, Montana serves up a cold beer. (Taylor Inman/Bigfork Eagle)
The 13th Annual Bigfork Brewfest saw both sides of Electric Ave. shutdown for the first time in the events history. (Taylor Inman/Bigfork Eagle)
Bill Goudge makes cheeseburgers at Bill's Western Food Wagon. He said the grilled onions are his specialty. (Taylor Inman/Bigfork Eagle)
The Disaster Project performed in front of Garden Bar at Saturday's event. (Taylor Inman/Bigfork Eagle)
JD Doherty with Kalispell Brewing Company pours a beer sample at this year's Bigfork Brewfest. (Taylor Inman/Bigfork Eagle)
Food trucks line Bridge St. beside the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center. (Taylor Inman/Bigfork Eagle)
Jessica Pederson, Bre Rouse and Sam Ardin have a laugh and enjoy the festivities at this year's Brewfest. (Taylor Inman/Bigfork Eagle)
REPORTER AND PODCAST HOST Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore of Flathead Lake for the Bigfork Eagle and the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on local government, community issues and the people who shape life in Northwest Montana. Inman began her journalism career at Murray State University’s public radio newsroom and later reported for WKMS, where her work aired on National Public Radio. In addition to reporting, she hosts and contributes to Daily Inter Lake podcasts including News Now. Her work connects listeners and readers with the stories shaping communities across the Flathead Valley. IMPACT: Taylor’s work expands local journalism through both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. | March 8, 2022 11:00 PM
People flooded into downtown Bigfork on Saturday for the 13th Annual Bigfork Brewfest.
Both sides of Electric Avenue and Bridge St. shut down for the first time in the event's history, allowing 30 breweries and two cideries from Montana to set-up shop and hand out samples all afternoon. Attendees also enjoyed live music, including The Disaster Project, and Luke Dowler and Kelly Garber.
Bigfork Innovations Group President Darcie Fast said about 1,700 people attended this year's Brewfest. She said next year they are looking to add more sponsors to help cover the cost. This year's event was sponsored in part by Sliters Hardware, Bear Grass Naturals and Mountain Vibes Gallery.
The event is BIG’s ‘biggest’ fundraising event of the year. She said funds from will go towards many different places over the course of the next year, but particularly it will help underfunded sports programs at Bigfork Schools. She said in 2021, the group gave $19,000 to projects throughout the year and gave an additional $15,000 at the end of the year.
Funds raised from this year's event are still being totaled.
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