— from Cole Sisson for the “Hops on the Rock” Beer Festival–
First annual NovemBEER fest comes to Orcas Island this month
In celebration of “NovemBEER”, Orcas Island hosts a weekend of beer events with a Grand Tasting on November 11th.
This November 11, we’re throwing a Beer Festival! The Hops on the Rock festival is literally shutting down the streets of Eastsound to host a weekend of drinking, dancing and NovemBEER events all across beautiful Orcas Island. Live music, local food and 20+ local breweries from around the region will be in attendance for a destination beer festival like no other.
“We are thrilled to bring something like this to our Island”, says co-founder of the event and owner of Island Hoppin’ Brewery, Becca Gray. “To share our island culture with some of the best folks in the industry – and over some of the best beer around – is something we’ve long talked about. It’s exciting to see it finally come to life!” Breweries attending will include Aslan, Georgetown & Black Raven Brewing – among others – who will be showcasing their talents alongside local chefs and the sounds of Bellingham’s hometown heroes, Babycakes.
The Hops on the Rock Committee is composed of local business persons; Jacob Linnes (Island Market), Becca Gray (Island Hoppin’ Brewery), Cole Sisson (Doe Bay Wine Company), Veronica San Martin (Orcas Events), Rick Hughes (Ray’s Pharmacy) and Regan Vaughn (Rosario Resort & Spa). They share the common belief that November is the most underrated time of the year to visit the island and that drinking beer is the most underrated excuse to do so.
Look for great rates with our partners at Kenmore Air (www.kenmoreair.com), Rosario Resort & Spa (www.rosarioresort.com) and other local businesses.
Let’s keep November for those of us who live here…..what do you think?
What a fun event! I am looking forward to trying some new beers and enjoying the festivities! Thanks for organizing.
But everyday the island isn’t pimped out is potential revenue lost!
The 365 days of August…
Rather an odd choice of date to have a celebratory festival. November 11th is Armistice day, a solemn occasion in much of the world, and to some degree amongst older people in the United States. Perhaps you will at least ensure that no activities occur in the particularly sacred minute following 11.00 am?
Mr Welford: Well said.
It is good to see that the School District is honoring Veterans, as it has in the past.
Sounds like a fun celebration for the darkening days of winter. It is also an opportunity for some of the folks who depend on summer jobs and other jobs as they appear to help out and make a few bucks. Enjoy!
I am sure no member of the military or populace of any country had any beer in 1918 to celebrate the end of the first world war.
It is indeed heart wrenching that so many of our young died in the war to end all wars.
So it is our duty to hoist a pint to them and think of what they experienced. Our youth need to live,love and learn from the past.
Thank you to all for your input. We will be honoring those who have served with a moment of silence at precisely 11am followed by the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. All veterans will be given discounted admission and honorary glasses. We have invited the members of the American Legion to join us after their ceremony so we can publicly thank them. We hope that our hoisting and sharing a point, both with and for our veterans, will help show our gratitude for all they have given. And, we hope to see you all there (even Merry and Luther). Cheers!
Oooohhhh Snap!
Well done Cole!
I think it’s refreshing to see more positive comments than negative, in support of our Orcas entrepreneurs who work very hard to improve the economic vitality of our beautiful island. Let’s raise a toast to them on Saturday…. Slainte!
This should have said it was 21+ only. We got there and were disappointed we could not go in because we had a toddler. Should have been in the article before we planned our day around it and made the trek.