Step up to a facet at brewfest

The official State of Wyoming Microbrew Competition will be held Aug. 19 in Saratoga. Microbreweries from across Wyoming are slated to compete for the coveted Steinley Cup at the 22nd annual competition. This year's competition brew is 'American Amber Lager' and will be judged by a panel of brewing professionals from Colorado. The event starts at 1 p.m. and goes until 5 p.m. at Veterans Island Park.

Among the breweries invited to this year's event are the defending Steinley Cup champion, Black Tooth Brewing based in Sheridan and the defending "People's Choice" champion, The Library Sports Grill & Brewery of Laramie.

"This microbrew festival is unique in that only those based in Wyoming are invited. 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," says Stacy Crimmins, CEO of the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Breweries that have confirmed their attendance are Saratoga's Snowy Mountain Brewery, Snake River Brewing Company out of Jackson, The Library, Black Tooth Brewery, and the Altitude Chophouse from Laramie and newcomer Accomplice Brewery from Cheyenne.

Wyoming is home to a burgeoning craft distillery industry and those distillers were also invited to attend. Geyser Distilling from Cody and Jackson Hole Stillworks will be at this year's event.

Live music from "Maxwell Mud" and "Something2Do" will provide entertainment for the half-day event. The park location features a playground for the kids and horseshoe pits for those inclined. Local and regional crafters will also be showing and selling their creations.

The annual Chili Competition will be held Saturday also. With paid entry, attendees can taste the red chili, green chili, and salsa entered in the contest. Tasters can then place a People's Choice vote.

Crimmins warns the chili runs out quickly saying, "The sampling is so good that everything is gone by about 2:30,"

Call the Chamber at 307-326-8855 if you'd like to enter a favorite recipe.

Food vendors will also be on hand all day to stave off hunger pangs.

"Admission is $25 for everyone age 13 and older. Admission is free for children age 12 and under. With paid admission, you can enjoy live music, taste great chili, soda and beer, receive a 12-ounce mug, vote for your favorites in the competition class, and shop at the local craft booths," Crimmins said.

This year's historic solar eclipse occurring on August 21 has added even more fun to the Steinley Cup. Attendees will receive a pair of certified eclipse glasses until supplies run out. The design for the collectable t-shirts celebrates the eclipse and will be sold at the event.

The Trout Run-a 5K fun run-will be held the morning of August 19. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the run starts at 8 a.m. Runners will receive an event t-shirt. To register, please call Lisa at 307-326-8338 or Joe at 307-326-7822.

Chamber Board Chair Jonathan Schnal, says "Rain or shine, bring a lawn chair, your kids and make a weekend of it!"

For more information, call the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce at 307-326-8855 or e-mail [email protected].