Beerfest breaks brewery’s daily sales record
A beer stein holding competition commences last Saturday at Bandera Brewery’s Beerfest. The endurance competition required contestants to hold out a beer stein filled with water. Proceeds from all competitions went to the brewery’s scholarship fund. B
Bandera Brewery’s inaugural Beerfest was held last Thursday through Sunday to great success, with the brewery breaking its daily sales record on Saturday.
Co-owner and Head Brewer John Oliver said the record was previously set before the pandemic, and the brewery is already planning next year’s Beerfest, a family-friendly Oktoberfest-style event featuring special beer releases, themed contests and games with hand-made trophies, live music and more.
“It was phenomenal. Attendance exceeded our expectations. We had over 2,500 people attend the event” said Oliver.
Oliver added event attendees were from Bandera and beyond, with attendees coming from as far as Austin and Houston.
“We anticipate next year to be even better and attract more people,” he said. Cornhole and beer pong tournaments were held every day of the event leading up to the grand championships on Sunday.
On Friday, ten contestants competed in a karaoke competition, then others took turns seeing who could hold a beer keg the longest.
Saturday’s game lineup was the most stacked of the event, with festivities including a beer chugging contest, a stein hold competition, brat eating contest, and lederhosen and dirndl competition. After a yodeling competition, the night culminated in a cowboy relay race.
Proceeds from all games and a 50/50 raffle went toward the Bandera Brewery’s scholarship fund, and Oliver said they were able to raise over $2,000 thanks to proceeds from that. The entire time, the beer was flowing, children were playing games in the beer garden, and delicious food like brats and pretzel bites were being served next door at The MarFe.
“We’re so proud of neighbor Bandera Brewery’s great success this past weekend,” said Autum Perry-Sevilla, Co-Owner of the Marfe. “We had a lot of fun hosting the Bratwurst eating competition and especially loved seeing so many groups enjoying our incredible garden. Can’t wait till the next event!”
Oliver and the brewery extended their thanks to their sponsors, Lost Valley Mini-Storage, Brittany Hunkin Photography, Dapper J’s, The MarFe, Bandera Bulletin and Sister Creek Vineyards.
“A special thanks also goes out to the Bandera Brothel Babes for helping with the event and to Nick Barron and friends,” he said.