From steinholding and keg tossing to art auctions and exhibitors, Bierfest brought out the masses
With his arm outstretched, hand wrapped around the handle of a five-pound glass stein, Julius Zatopek reached his free hand to the heavens, let out a low-pitched growl, gained his second wind and held on for the win Saturday during the seventh annual Boerne Bierfest Steinholding competition.
Zatopek, from New Braunfels, said he signed up for the event upon arriving Saturday at the Agri-Cultural Museum and Arts Center grounds, where dozens of brewers and artists shared their crafts with the thousands who turned out for the six-hour Boerne Bierfest, the primary fundraiser for the Hill Country Council for the Arts organization.
Paula Horner, HCCA president, said she delighted in the “smaller footprint” assumed this year, rolling back to focus on artists, breweries, games and food — scuttling previous years’ VIP tents, headlining acts and other elements that detracted from the gist of Bierfest.
“This year, we eliminated the VIP areas, and its headliners,” Horner said. “I think it returned it to a tad-smaller footprint, it was easier to negotiate” with its two main aisles hosting all artists and brewers.
Setup began Friday afternoon and carried on right up until gates opened at noon Saturday. Horner said she arrived early, her day getting underway at about 7 a.m. Saturday.
“But I’ve had nothing but compliments,” she said. “That makes it feel all more worthwhile.”
Volunteers are always a key to making Bierfest happen. From manning the entry point and pass gate, to helping set up tents and pouring beer, Horner said volunteers continue to be an integral Bierfest cog.
“We had many people come in and assist the breweries, they always struggle with manpower on that Saturday,” she said. “The Craft Beer Girls of Boerne, they helped recruit about two dozen to help the breweries that day.”
Breweries did compete for honors, which this year went to Wild Barley Kitchen and Brewery of San Antonio for their “Wild Dreams,” a Foeder aged mix culture sour that is 8.05% alcohol.
Overall winners were Wild Barley, with Wild Dreams; second went to Texas Cannon Brewing, from Blanco, for its “Rio Rojo,” and third went to Thirsty Pups Brewery in San Antonio, for its “Bockoberfest.”
Top IPAs went to Free Roam Brewing Co. of Boerne for its “Quick Clouds” offering, to Cibolo Creek Brewing Co. of Boerne for its “Beachside IPA,” and Thirsty Pups, for “Rent Money.”
Art market winners were declared as well. Randy Moroney claimed first for his unique and original media and take on collage.
Second was Jesselyn Gordon with Thrown Studio. “Quality ceramics; chain was fabulous and unique,” were among judge’s comments.
Melany Rigdon drew third for “great presentation of booth overall, and individual artworks; wonderful composition and cropping.”
Zatopek won the men’s steinholding competition in 5 minutes, 15 seconds. The women’s competition winner Jessica Penney lasted 2:39 to become the last woman steining.
Horner — who said she probably didn’t time to consume any more than 4-6 ounces of beer the entire day — said many of the artists showing Saturday are newer, just starting out and taking advantage of the opportunity to get their art in front of as many people as they can.
She said she hopes to improve next year with a full and balanced 25-30 artists, with even representation among the craft beer booths.
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