The second annual Bakersfield Craft Beer Festival took place on Saturday, May 24 at the CSUB amphitheater.
By Layne Ogle
Staff Writer
“Drink something better” was the slogan for the second annual Bakersfield Craft Beer Festival.
Inbibe, Eureka, Jake’s Tex-Mex and Moo Creamery teamed up to create an event for the public interested in tasting and learning about craft beer.
Jeremy Stemen, manager from Eureka explained why he wanted to be a part of the festival.
“There is more that goes into a beer than just tasting it; it’s about what you can learn from beer by smelling, observing and analyzing it,” said Stemen.
The event took place at the California State University, Bakersfield Amphitheater and hosted 30 breweries ranging from local and out of town.
Kern River Brewing Company representatives volunteered at the Craft Beer Festival.
Barrel House Brewing Company’s co-founder, Chris Vaughn, was eager to share his knowledge and excitement of beer with the community.
“I grew up in the valley and started Barrel House with three of my friends, so it was important to us to be a part of the valley that we grew up in,” said Vaughn.
The event had unlimited beer samples for attendees, but was closely monitored by security who was prepared to cut off individuals who had exceeded their limit. There was also a free cab escort for any who were not able to drive home safely.
CSUB Alumni, Andrew Pelle, enjoyed his time at the beer festival and did not believe that he hit his limit, when security asked him to stop dancing with the music.
“I was dancing because I like to make people laugh, I guess there’s not that many people trying to go out and have a good time,” said Pelle.
The festival was a huge success compared to the previous year because there was more organization as well as a better understanding of how to set up each stand.
Chris Vaughn (right), co-founder of Barrel House Brewing Company, enjoys volunteering at the Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, May 24.
CSUB Alumni, Jacob Gonzalez, enjoyed his relaxing day tasting the many beers that were available to sample with ample room for the large crowds of people.
“I am glad that it is more spread out so it doesn’t feel like there are a million people here,” said Gonzalez.
Tickets sold out five days before the event took place and the event impressed everyone with the breweries that attended as well as the large beer selection available for sampling.
