An estimated 3,000 people attended the Lake County Craft Beer Festival in Expo Hall, which marked its 10 anniversary year Saturday at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake.
The event had a Mardi Gras theme, with that event approaching on March 4.
“We’re super excited. We actually did a Mardi Gras theme 10 years ago too, so it’s kind of a nice, fun way to bring it back,” said Chey Pribel, the fairgrounds’ director of marketing and events manager. “We’re very close to Mardi Gras, so we thought it would be a fun way to bring the community together to celebrate.”
Pribel and Shannon Dunn, the fairgrounds’ general manager, went upstairs to an access door to toss Mardi Gras-colored necklaces to attendees below.
Chey said more than 50 beverage vendors offered samples in small plastic sipping cups. Entry tickets for adults who chose to sample included 25 tasting tickets.
“We have craft brewers, home brewers, wineries, cideries, distilleries and some mead as well,” Pribel said.
Mead is described as a honey wine, and is said to be one of the world’s oldest fermented beverages. Attendees could also buy reduced-fare tickets to be designated drivers to accompany those sampling the alcohol.
“Whether you’re into drinking or not, it’s a fun community event,” Pribel said. “We’re very excited to bring it back to the community. “
Some people took paid transportation from their hotel to the event, including Todd and Kari Miller of Grafton, Wisconsin, who were first in the VIP early entry line.
“We like to try fun new beer and it was a fun little date weekend,” said Kari Miller, who wore festive beer-stein earrings and a Mardi Gras hair accessory. “I don’t turn down an excuse to wear a fascinator or a fancy hat. I’m all about it.”
Patron Amanda Procknow of Trevor, Wisconsin, also wore colorful Mardi Gras gear.
“I love Lake County because of the community events,” Procknow said.
Tim and Jenni House of Mundelein were there because, “We love beer fest,” Jenni House said.
Craig Leiner of Lake Villa tried sampling an offering from Aaron Hexamer of the Black Lung Brewing Company of Fox Lake and Round Lake Beach.
“I think this is fantastic. They should have more of these events,” said Leiner, who wore a necklace of snacks, some in plastic bags. “I like more of the darker beers.”
Rob Noon, co-owner and brewer, and Josh Grubbs, head brewer and founder of Black Lung Brewing, poured several house-made varieties, including a pistachio cream ale.
Grubbs said, “We’re working on getting all the Lake County breweries to come together and collaborate on one beer. There’s not a county in this country that has more to offer than Lake County.”
Entertainment included axe throwing, a bottle toss and a Mardi Gras-themed costume contest. The Zydeco Voodoo Band performed, featuring Joe Corrado of Lake Zurich on guitar.
“I love playing at home,” Corrado said. “It’s fun to be around neighbors and friends, and just feeling like you’re part of the community. It’s great to take our show on the road … (but) it’s great to be home and to play with your peeps in Lake County.”
