Residents sample beer from across Michigan at annual Craft Beer Festival
Attendees talk and sample beer at the 2015 Mount Pleasant Craft Beer Festival.
Last year, the Mount Pleasant Jaycees raised more than $15,000 for various organizations during the inaugural 2014 Craft Beer Festival.
When they count their final numbers for this year's festival, which took place today downtown, they expect amount number will be higher.
"Our pre-sale numbers were higher this year," said co-chair of the Mount Pleasant Jaycees Erin Ludwig. "We have a different venue this year. We are very happy with how it's going."
Upon entrance, attendees were able to sample beers crafted in Michigan after purchasing tickets, which cost $25 at the door. The ticket supplied participants with a sampling glass and six drink tickets.
Twenty-three different Michigan Breweries were represented at the festival, from close by like Mountain Town Brewing Co. or farther away, like Rochester Mills. Compared to last year which hosted 17 breweries, Bryan Wiefreich, co-chair of the Mount Pleasant Jaycees said the group was satisfied with the variety of beers which he said led to the attraction of more attendees.
"We actually doubled the money for the beer breweries in anticipation for more people," he said.
Live music was also featured at the festival, with Matt Gabriel, a singer/songwriter from Grand Rapids and Still Thinking, a county and classic rock cover band from Mount Pleasant.
Attendees could use their beer to wash down food from several different vendors, including Max & Emily's, Killer Hibachi, Erbert and Gerbert's Sandwich Shop and Qdoba.
