Hood River Fresh Hop Fest

When it comes to big beer flavor, it’s almost impossible to beat the big contribution of freshly harvested Northwest hops.

Pour from the pitchers of more than 20 Northwest craft brewers, anchor it in the middle of the nation’s only National Scenic Area, and you have the makings for the Seventh Annual Hood River Hops Fest.

Coming to Hood River from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2nd, the Hops Fest has become a fall tradition. For itinerant quaffers, those tasters who just can’t get enough hoptivity, the Hood River Hops Fest is just the first of three corners on the fresh hop triangle of life.

After the Hood River event, the other mandatory stop on Oregon Bounty’s Fresh Hop Tastival circuit includes the Oregon Bounty Fresh Hop Beer Tastival Oct. 9 in Portland!

In the unlikely event that the weather gods ignore that request, plans include extra tents and a VIP seating area on the event site between 5th and 7th streets, Cascade and Columbia avenues.

The site layout will route attendees past arts and crafts vendors, a rich lineup of food booths to the tasting area. Live music will be oriented to both the tasting and dining areas.

Once again, a secure children’s play area will provide activity for the younger members of the family. Children again will be excluded from the Hops Fest grounds after 6:30 p.m.

“Each year, we learn a bit more about how to improve Hops Fest, and this year promises to be the best Fest yet,” says Charlie Devereux of Double Mountain Brewing, who is helping coordinate beer vendors for the event sponsored now by the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce.

“The tasting lineup will be stellar, as usual, but our goal is a safe, fun, family-friendly event.”

Featured breweries again will include Gorge favorites such as Double Mountain Brewery, Full Sail Brewing, Big Horse, Elliot Glacier, Walking Man and Mt. Hood Brewing. Organizers are still lining up additional brewers to pour tastes this year. Stay tuned by regulary checking the Hops Fest web site (you’re there, but you really should bookmark it, shouldn’t you?).

Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities, or individuals interested in volunteering, should contact the Hops Fest Steering Committee at 541-386-8860.