VERO BEACH — Thousands of beer lovers crowded onto Royal Palm Point on Saturday, in order to sample an assortment of brews, chicken wings, and other fun foods. The third annual Florida Craft Brew & Wing Fest, sponsored by the Rotary Club Vero Beach Sunrise, helped the organization raise much needed funds for many community enhancing projects.
Clouds gathered in the skies, but the convivial crowd was not deterred, and a steady flow of people arrived by all means of conveyances – on foot, by automobile, bicycle, golf carts, and boats. Locals and visitors ambled along the grass median, sampling more than 150 different craft and micro brews, and voting for the best wings in Indian River County.
Adults who paid $35 received a bracelet, which allowed them to taste pilsners, pale ales, lagers, ciders, and other hops-based beverages all afternoon.
Beer connoisseurs mingled with less discerning beer drinkers, as enthusiastic volunteers poured samples, but the fun wasn’t limited to the wings and brews. The family friendly event drew more than 5,000 people of all ages.
For those who wanted more than wings and beer, several restaurants served pizza, pork and beef sliders, and fish tacos. Pretzel necklaces were the accessory of choice for those with hands full of wings.
In addition to the wings contest, there was a contest for the best home brew. The brews were judged by certified cicerones, the beer equivalent of a sommelier.
The event attracted 40 vendors from all over the United States, including Shipyard Brewing Company from Maine, Brooklyn Brewery, the Kona Brewing Company, from Hawaii. Their offerings included a dark beer with a toasted coconut essence.
Closer to home, Orchid Island Brewing, which began in a Central Beach garage, served locals who had grown up with founders Alan Dritenbas and Alden Bing.
“The one in my hand,” said a local woman, when asked which beer was her favorite.
Local restaurants, including Cap’s Pizza, Baci Trattoria, and Vero Bowl, served up their spiciest, smoked, and sauciest wings, hoping to win bragging rights for the year. A separate contest was held for companies and individuals to show off their sizzling skills. Last year’s winner in the Private Entry category, Creative Pest Management, ran out of wings by 1:45, much to the dismay of those hoping for a taste.
Old Barber Bridge, a local folk, rock, and bluegrass band, entertained, along with the Wiley Nash Band, The Sweet Chariots, and the Randy Skirvin Band, playing classic rock. That is, until the skies opened at 3:45, and heavy rain, hail, thunder and lightning moved through the area.
People in the crowd got wet, but spirits stayed buoyant, as the crowd rushed to find shelter from the storm.
