Brew-Fest draws hundreds to downtown Wilmington

Brewers and brew lovers descended on Wilmington for the city's first Downtown Brew-Fest on Saturday afternoon.

The event drew hundreds, from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m., to the 800 block of N. Market St., which was closed to traffic. Joe Van Horn, co-owner of Chelsea Tavern and Earnest & Scott Taproom, organized Brew-Fest, which was officially sponsored by the city of Wilmington.

Both sides of the street were lined with beer tents, food trucks and other merchants, including one woman who was selling homemade dog treats. At the end of the block was a stage featuring a performance from Delaware's own The Spinto Band.

The event also featured other live acts and two DJs. Certain customers received discounted or free Lyft rides to prevent anyone from drinking and driving.

Local restaurants on the block also were open to offer sit-down meals to beer fans.

But if beer was the main attraction, downtown Wilmington was certainly the star. Attendees said they were thrilled the city was hosting a downtown festival.

"It's nice to have cultural events in the city," said Madeline Bowe, who lives just down the street from the Brew-Fest. "I look forward to events like this. We need more of them."

Zach Schiavo, who attended with Bowe, said it was great for the city to sponsor events that are walkable for downtown residents.

"I'm impressed with the turnout," Schiavo said. "There are plenty of people here, but it's not too crowded."

Other attendees agreed with Schiavo and Bowe that Wilmington should host more events like Brew-Fest.

"This is awesome and not just because of the beer," said Jeffrey Lussier of Bear, who attended Brew-Fest with his fiancée, Corrie Racine. "Everyone here has such a happy attitude. No one is angry or mad. People are just starting conversations with random strangers."

Lussier said he and Racine had planned to visit a couple of local breweries Saturday but realized if they went to downtown, all the beers would be in one place.

More than 40 local and regional breweries offered more than 100 craft beers. Craig Wensell, co-owner of Bellefonte Brewing Co. in Prices Corner, said Brew-Fest is good for the city because it promotes local businesses.

"This is a great way to introduce new people to our product," he said.

Other Delaware-based breweries represented at the festival included 3rd Wave, 16 Mile, Big Oyster, Blue Earl, Crooked Hammock, Dew Point, Dogfish Head, Mispillion River and Twin Lakes.

"I'm impressed they have so many Delaware brewers here," Bowe said.

Brew-Fest drew attendees from around the region. The Staiman family came from North East, Maryland, to sample the event's variety of beers.

"The atmosphere is great," said Ryan Staiman, who attended with his parents. "I like being around all these people."

The organizers hope the event will draw crowds to the 160-seat Stitch House Brewery, set to open later this fall.

Staff reporter Ryan Cormier contributed to this article.

Contact Jeff Mordock at (302) 324-2786, on Twitter @JeffMordockTNJ or jmordock@delawareonline.com.