Eins, zwei, drei, g’suffa! Valparaiso Events' 13th annual Brewfest starts this weekend, and there was no better way to kick off the festivities than with a casual Friday night Biergarten on September 22. Between giant pretzels, uplifting polka music, and plenty of beer to go around, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
This year was the third year that Valparaiso Events preceded its Brewfest with a Biergarten. Brewfest is always a hit with the community, but its popularity makes it a bit more high-energy. Holding the Biergarten is a great way to ease people into the weekend and give them a chance to unwind before all the excitement.
“It’s a nice easy, relaxing evening. It’s a completely different pace than Brewfest. I love seeing everyone getting into the German spirit. A lot of people will wear lederhosen or a dirndl. It’s just a great experience and opportunity to hang out as a family and celebrate whether you’re of German heritage or just a big fan,” said Tom Clifford, Valparaiso Events’ executive event and marketing manager.
As people walked around in their best Bavarian attire, sipping on various German beers, the German Band INC warmed up the crowd with all kinds of beloved Polka tunes. Countless attendees held their drinks up high and swayed along to the beat, while others, unable to contain their excitement, sang as loud as they could and clapped their hands.
German Band INC’s music wasn’t the only thing putting smiles on everyone’s faces, though. For every performance that the German Band INC does across Northwest Indiana, it donates a majority of its proceeds to the Hobart Food Pantry. Last year, the group ended up donating over $9,000 to the charity. This year the band hopes to raise even more for the food pantry, and their earnings from the Biergarten will help get them one step closer to that goal.
“This band has a function beyond itself,” said Kristen Sturgeon, member of German Band INC. “We’ve always been that way and it gives us a greater purpose.”
Robert Sturgeon, leader of the German Band INC, was proud to have the opportunity to be back in Valparaiso and help Valparaiso Events with an event that celebrates German heritage.
“The people here are always so nice to us. This is a great venue, a wonderful stage, and an amazing park. We can’t wait to come back and play for everyone again,” said Robert Sturgeon.
After the German Band INC got everyone in the festive spirit, the Lauren Dukes Band took to the stage. People had a great time letting loose and dancing long after the sunset. One look at all the smiling faces was all anyone needed to know that this year’s Biergarten couldn’t have been a bigger success.
Of course, the Biergarten wouldn’t have been possible without the support and generosity of the community. LiqGo, Indiana Beverage, Lexus of Merrillville, Ameristar, Stabilizers, Aspire, Calumet Lumber Inc., NWI Tents and Events, Centier Bank, and Indiana Army National Guard all came together to make the wonderful evening happen. The Valparaiso Events team couldn’t be more grateful.
“It’s been a beautiful night. I’m glad the community has come out to take part–it’s a little different from what we normally do, so I’m very thankful for all the support that people continue to provide Valpo Events,” said Clifford.
For everyone who enjoyed tonight’s event, tomorrow’s Valpo Brewfest definitely won’t disappoint. The event will feature over 65 brewers, over 250 beers, and several talented musicians. So, if you haven’t already bought your tickets, you better buy them quickly! This year’s Brewfest event is sure to sell out.
To learn more about Valparaiso Events, visit www.valparaisoevents.com.