2020 Bitterroot Brewfest – Go Through the Glasses

The Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce was not willing to completely dismiss the 2020 Bitterroot Brewfest because of COVID-19 concerns. Besides, they had already purchased the pallets of drink glasses, which have become collectors' items through the years. So, the Brewfest will happen - only differently - by using those glasses.

Chamber Executive Director Al Mitchell put this year's glasses (see photo above) up for sale at a number of valley locations. The cost is $25, but besides the glass you get five free drink tickets from five participating breweries in the Bitterroot - Higherground, Bitterroot Brewing, Lolo Peak, Bandit Brewing and Backroad Cider. And, each of those locations are having free prize drawings at the end of the year for even more fun. The tickets are good through the end of the year. You can buy your commemorative glass at the Chamber of Commerce office and at Backroad Cider in Hamilton, at Eastside Ace Hardware in Stevensville, Florence Ace Hardware, the Wild Mare restaurant in Corvallis and Bandit Brewing in Darby. They'll also be for sale at the Hamilton City Hall lawn during this Saturday's Apple Day at the Ravalli County Museum.

But that wasn't enough! Al has designed a "Small Batch" Brewfest at Hamilton's Daly Mansion October 10th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Only 50 tickets will be sold for $100 each. The participating brewers will have small batches of their seasonal beers and representatives on site to talk about their operations. By the way, those who attend will ALSO get the Brewfest glass and the free tickets. Snacks and Octoberfest-type music is planned. Tickets for that evening are available only at the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce office, next to the Safeway parking lot on East Main in Hamilton. Oh, and please remember to party responsibly.