June Lake to celebrate 2nd annual Autumn Beer Festival

Just in time for Oktoberfest, the June Lake Chamber of Commerce and co-host June Lake Brewing are gearing up for the second annual Autumn Beer Festival in June Lake.

Chamber of Commerce Event Coordinator Sheila Thompson said the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, is expanding in new directions this year.

Gone is the pie contest, chili contest, and raffle from last year’s event. Instead, Thompson said the Beer Fest will feature food, games, live music, craft vendors … and even more beer.

This year’s Fest will gather 13 award-winning California and Nevada craft breweries, up from 6 who attended last year.

“We’ve got food vendors coming from all over California,” Thompson said. “Mexican, Indian, Italian … you name it, it’s gonna be there.”

The event will feature kid’s games and face painting, a sleight-of-hand magician from L.A., and a kid’s raffle for prizes like bikes and toys. “This year should be really fun for families,” Thompson said.

Beer drinkers can enjoy the range of craft breweries, from familiar names like June Lake Brewing and Mammoth Brewing Company, to breweries from further afield, like Tonopah Brewing Company, Lassen Ale Works (out of Susanville), Four Sons Brewing (Huntington Beach), and Hess Brewing Company (San Diego).

Beer drinkers can choose from a 4-ounce taster, all-you-can-drink option ($25), or a 10-ounce, five-pour option ($15).

You can also enter into a $20 stein holding contest, limited to 20 men and 20 women participants.

Thompson said fiddler Chris Murphy and country/rock band Barnstormer will provide the musical entertainment. “They’re both spectacular,” she said.

And, as if that wasn’t enough incentive, the Autumn Beer Festival also offers craft vendors selling homemade goods, and a photography contest with entry that day. The entry fee is $5 per photograph, Thompson said, and first, second, and third place winners will receive a cash prize. Kids’ entries will all receive honorable mention and ribbons.

“All in all, it’s just going to be a great event,” Thompson said.

She noted that weather is looking good for the Columbus Day weekend, with leaves already changing along the June Lake Loop. The Beer Fest will take place at Gull Lake Park.

“Last year, our first year, some things weren’t as popular,” Thompson said. Learning from that experience, “This year should be a lot of fun.”

For more information, visit the June Lake Autumn Beer Festival Facebook page, or contact Sarah at 858.668.6340, or sarah@junelakebrewing.com. Tickets are available through www.eventbrite.com (prices increase $5 after October 1).