'Micro' is a big deal

Some of the best microbrews in the state will once again pour into the Platte Valley, as the official State of Wyoming Microbrew Competition comes to Saratoga this weekend.

Now in its 19th year, the annual event will bring Wyoming breweries to compete for the coveted “Steinley Cup.”

“It was one of the first, original competitions and brew festivals in the state, and is known by the brewers as the official competition. No one can claim they’re the best in the state unless they have carried the Steinley Cup trophy home,” Stacy Crimmins, director of the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce, said.

This year, the competition brew is “Red Ale”, which is a style of beer which is typically focused on the malts, and shades between dark ale and pale ale. The winner of the Steinley Cup is judged by a panel of brewing professionals from Colorado. Last year’s winner, Snake River Brewery out of Jackson, is planning on making another appearance this year.

There will also be a “People’s Choice” champion, where defending champion Prairie Fire Brewing Company from Gillette will be defending its crown. There will also be a people’s choice award for root beer.

Saratoga’s own Snowy Mountain Brewery is also expected to make an appearance this year.

This year, the competition will be held at Kathy Glode Park. Crimmins said while it does require a lot of work, and will include having to place a fence around the park, Kathy Glode Park is great choice for the event. She says keeping the event safe is of the upmost importance. Crimmins said they are expecting around 800 people to attend the microbrew festival.

“That is pretty typical of every year,” Crimmins said.

While the beer is flowing, people will also be able to participate in the 11th annual Chili Cook-off Competition. Crimmins said many local and regional cooks have already signed up for the event. She recommends people sample the chili sooner rather than later, because it tends to run out very quickly.

Before the events, there is the Second annual Trout Run. Organized by Platte Valley Community Center Executive Director Joe Elder, Crimmins said the 5k fun run is to “make a full day out of the microbrew festival.” The run costs $20, which gets participants a tee-shirt. Elder said people can run, walk or whatever they want during the fun run. The proceeds will go towards the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce, who will then use it to help local businesses.

“These businesses help out the community so much during the year, this is just a way to try to repay them,” Elder said.

State of Wyoming Microbrew Competition will take place from 1 through 5 p.m. at Kathy Glode Park. The Trout Run will begin at 8 a.m. and runners will meet at the Kathy Glode Park parking lot.