First annual Clare Brewfest pairs with Old 27 Motor Tour Thursday

The suds of local Michigan brews flowed at the first annual Clare Brewfest, from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday at East Fourth Street in downtown Clare. 

The event included samples of craft 24 different brews from eight Michigan breweries, including Mount Pleasant Brewing Company, Arcadia Ales, Founders, Arbor Brewing Company, Michigan Brewing Company, Atwater Block Brewery and Tri-City Brewing.

“We thought since we’re new it would be good to have it while the Old 27 Motor Tour was going on,” said event director Brett Cook of Clare, who estimated over 200 cars took part in the tour. “The idea for it started over beers with friends.”

The cost of the event was $10 for entry, which included five tastings. After the first initial tastings, attendants paid per sample.

Money raised from the event is put back into the community for scholarships and youth programs. The event is co-sponsored by The Clare Rotary Club and Clare Main Street.

Manager of Clare Main Street, Lori Schuh said the event was created to help educate people about local craft beer.

“We’re already thinking about next year,” Schuh said. “We would like to turn it into a two day event. One of the days we hope to make an expo where people can bring in equipment that they use to brew beer with and do demonstrations — that way people can taste what they learn about.”

Seth Brown and Ian Humphres of Harrison said they came out because they’re big fans of good beer.

It was a great way to support local breweries, Humphres said.

“It’s something to try other than Budweiser and Bud Light,” Brown said. “I didn’t even know the cars were going to be here.”

Local food vendors were also in attendance and local band, Night Shift played classic tunes from 6 to 9 p.m.

Jim Holton, owner of Mount Pleasant Brewing Co. and Mountain Town Station said he was honored to be a part of the brewfest. Second Wind Wheat, Train Wreck and Iron Horse were good beer choices for the festival, Holton said.