Dawn V. Perez
Contributor
As far as unexplored adventures go, trying different kinds of craft beer is certainly one of them.
My interest was officially piqued after a friend of mine took me to a craft beer event in our area years ago -- and no more than a few sips in, I was hooked. That led me to start one of the biggest and best craft beer events in North Florida, the Big Bend Brewfest in Perry, FL. Since its inception in 2018, our event has been held at beautiful Rosehead Park, which anyone from Taylor County will tell you is one of our area's best outdoor venues. This year, the Big Bend Brewfest will be held Saturday, March 19 from 4-8 p.m. -- falling on none other than St. Patrick’s Day weekend. And yes, we will even have green beer to help us celebrate!
The Big Bend Brewfest has grown to be one of the largest craft beer events in the North Florida area, as well as one of the largest fundraisers for the benefactor each and every year, the Perry Rotary Club. Sadly, the event took a two-year break during covid, but it is more than ready to get back into the swing of things this year.
Your ticket gets you unlimited samplings of all kinds of delicious craft beer, ranging from pineapple and raspberry sours to peanut butter and pumpkin ales. You would not believe ALL the different types of craft beer that are out there. I was astounded by the varieties -- not to mention they are all so good. Personally, I prefer a wheat beer or an IPA (India Pale Ale), but lagers, pilsners, pale ales, goses, berliners, porters, stouts and imperial stouts are also delicious -- and are just some of the styles you will find peppered throughout the festival. I just find the wheat beers and IPAs most enjoyable, especially when brewed with fruit - like orange peel - for a subtle, sweet flavor.
In addition to craft beer, you can enjoy yummy hand-crafted ciders, different varieties of wine and a wide array of amazing food at our festival.
The Big Bend Brewfest is coordinated each year by the Perry Rotary Club, a non-profit organization with members who are united to serve the community. That right there is a definite plus when you have members who are eager to give back by supporting scholarship programs and their local Perry Police Department’s foundation with funds raised from this event.
Tickets are also quite reasonable, and with your ticket purchase, volunteers provide free pretzel necklaces and a hospitality tent with snacks to keep you full.
This one-day event, hosted by Taylor County Tourism Development Council, includes not only craft beer tasting, but a variety of food vendors, arts & craft vendors, live music and even corn hole competitions.
For more information about this event or to obtain tickets, find the Big Bend Brewfest on Facebook or contact the Chamber of Commerce office at (850) 584-5366. Hope to see you there!
