It’s time for craft beer, delectable small bites and enjoying the spring afternoon. That’s right, it’s time for the Montrose Craft Beer Fest.

By Charly SHELTON

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

Though the origin of the above quote may be in question, what is not – at least to many who enjoy a cold brew – is the information contained within. And to make sure that all are loved and happy, the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its annual Montrose Craft Beer Fest on April 7 from noon to 4 p.m.

“My favorite part of this event is the joy of the participants,” said Victoria Malone, executive director of the MVCOC, the force behind the event. “The quality and level of craft beer, food and sponsorship is top notch. Everyone has put so much effort in putting together a top-level event, and you can see and feel that energy from everyone in the beer garden.”

This year the event will see 19 breweries taking part in the event, hailing from all over the West Coast. From as nearby as La Cañada with Hilltop Homebrewers to as far away as Portland, Oregon with Deschutes Brewery, this festival will showcase the best of the west with a specific focus on the Los Angeles area. These craft beer samples will be paired with small bites from local restaurants including Basin 141, Gina’s Feed Catering, Giuseppe’s Pizzeria Montrose, John Sparr Tavern, The Left Handed Cook, Ocean View Bar & Grill, Tribe to Table, Trader Joe’s and a new participant – Slice of Templeton, Beef Jerky.

Now in its sixth year, the Montrose Craft Beer Fest team has learned a thing or two on how to make the event run smoothly while giving each guest the best possible experience. With that in mind, the VIP ticket with early admission hours has not been offered this year.

“We found that the day-of sales were much greater than anticipated and the lines bogged down. This delayed the VIP hour and entry, thus not providing the appropriate VIP experience,” Malone said. “We learned to start check-in earlier this year – at 11:30 – when attendees will be brought into the staging area to obtain their swag bag being donated by the MSPA and gather their free tasting glass with a purchase of a general admission ticket. The tasting glass is sponsored by We’re Pouring Restaurant & Taphouse in Glendale.  The staging area will also have a photo op station for group photos and selfies. The photo op station is a nice Craft Beer Fest backdrop and props to get creative with the photos, sponsored by local business Heart of Lending.”

But what the Craft Beer Fest really brings out is the sprit of community between the local breweries and the residents who are either longtime fans or newly discovered friends.

“As the attendees learn from the brewers about their special blends of craft beer, or they chat with one of the local restaurants about the delicious samples of food they can pair with a particular craft beer, [or] as attendees play the lawn games of Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, and Corn Hole, sponsored by Jenkins Property Management, and listen to the music of DJ Chloe, there is an air of joy and appreciation for community,” Malone said.

The Montrose Craft Beer Fest will be held Sunday, April 7 beginning at 12 p.m. for pre-purchased ticketholders and running until 4 p.m. Presale tickets are $45 for the full pass, or $25 for designated driver tickets that include food only. Day-of tickets are $55. Tickets can be purchased at Ocean View Boulevard and Honolulu Avenue on the day of the event.

For more info, visit Brewfest.MontroseChamber.org.

  Charly Shelton