Downtown Muncie to Host Craft Beer Festival

Muncie has become the craft beer capital of Indiana. According to area distributors, more craft beer is sold here than in Bloomington, Ft. Wayne, or even Indianapolis; and most of that is sold downtown. The Fickle Peach alone is the number one account for Bell's, Founder's, Magic Hat and Warbird; and the number two account for Three Floyds and Stone.

There's no better way to celebrate our status than to raise a glass - except maybe to raise 1,000 glasses. October 24th, 2009, Muncie will host the Muncie Brewfest, at the Horizon Convention Center's Interurban Hall. Over 20 breweries will be represented, as well as area distributors, home brew and brewpub suppliers, and some of Muncie's finest craft beer sellers.

In addition to great beer, there will be great food, live music by Cory Hill and Mikey Mason, a homebrew competition and live airing of the the best podcast ever, The Good Beer Show - all included in the $35 admission.

If a full day of tasting America's best beers isn't enough, the Fickle Peach will host a private VIP Reception, where - for an additional $15 - guests can mingle with brewers and beer geeks, taste some exclusive beers not available at the festival.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Muncie Historic Preservation Commission and Muncie Downtown Development. If the goal of 1,000 attendees is reached, it will mean $20K for Historic Preservation to use for matching funds on grants that the office wouldn't otherwise be able to apply for; and $5K for Downtown Development, which will fund this year's New Year's Eve fireworks display.

The event is being presented by Light Up Muncie, and sponsored by the Fickle Peach, Cavalier Distributing, World Class Beverages, St. Gobain Containers, Hiatt Printing and Outfitter. The homebrew competition is sponsored by Great Fermentations, the Wine-N-Vine and Barley & Vine Brewery.

Event organizer and Light Up Muncie founder, Ty Morton, hopes to see more destination events like these in the future:

"There's no reason we shouldn't be having an event like this every month in Muncie. Whether it's craft beer, classic VWs, model trains, or whatever you're into; there are thousands of people out there that are into the same thing. Why not invite them here? While they're here, they'll shop, eat, rent a room, etc.," Morton says. "Plus, it's not that hard to put these things together. There are lots of people here that are eager to help."

Cheryl Crowder, Program Manager and Event Director for Heart of the City:

"We are very excited to be one of the beneficiary of the proceeds from this event. We look forward to utilizing the funds to bring a fireworks show to our family friendly New Year's Eve Celebration in Downtown Muncie. Downtown has always been focused on offering an exceptional experience to visitors, something out of the ordinary. This year's Muncie Brewfest, its organizers and sponsors are great Downtown ambassadors for quality product and an exceptional experience. We are glad to share in their vision."

Bill Morgan, Muncie Historic Preservation Officer:

"The recent Governor’s Arts Awards at Muncie’s Cornerstone Center for the Arts proves that this town can throw a great party. Proceeds from this benefit will provide the match for us to seek federal grants that will continue the redevelopment of our historic downtown and help us save our endangered historic treasures. Drink beer and do good!"

For more information about the festival, or to purchase tickets, visit the website at http://www.munciebrewfest.com.

Light Up Muncie, Inc. (http://www.lightupmuncie.com) is dedicated to developing new ways to address the problems of financing community enhancement initiatives in today's economy. By harnessing the power of many smaller contributions – small potatoes – LUM helps local organizations raise the resources they need, and do so in a manageable way that has low impact on contributors.

For more information, contact Ty Morton at (765) 749-0652, or via email at ty@lightupmuncie.com.


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