Brewfest

Put on by the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce

Since its inception in 2004, the Maine Lakes Brewfest, Sampling the Best, has been one of the most popular and well-attended events that the Chamber holds in the area each year. Organized and set up by Mr. and Mrs. Tux Burke, of Bridgton, and with the assistance of many chamber members and volunteers, the first Brewfest was held in Casco with 300 attendees. This event has grown so dramatically over the years, we are now known as the largest Brewfest in the state!

Due to the pandemic and the State’s regulation on crowd attendances, The Maine Lakes Brewfest had to be cancelled for the first time in its 16 years! Traditionally, the Brewfest is held “on the beach” at Point Sebago in Casco, and previously has had close to 3000 attendees coming from multiple states all across the U.S. - Texas, New York, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri and Florida! As the Brewfest has grown over the years, changes were made to accommodate the increased attendance so that all of our guests had a comfortable and fun day. We have always touted the saying “Rain or shine, we’ve got you covered!” All brewers, food vendors, bands and volunteers working the front end check–in areas have been covered by tents! We now have 7 tents, providing coverage from rain or SUN for up to 32 Brewers and up to 15 Food Vendors. With live bands providing music all day (the event usually runs from 11-4) you get your fill of a multitude of food offerings from pulled pork sandwiches, lobster rolls, pizza, and of course, the traditional hamburgers and hot dogs! Our brewers come from Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. A brochure at the entrance will guide you to your favorite brews!

At our Brewfests, we traditionally hold a 50/50 raffle to support the Fireworks display at our Maine Lakes Winter Carnival, on the beach at Highland Lake in Bridgton usually held in February, or we donate half to a non-profit.

We’re not sure what will happen this year, as we are still under COVID regulations. However, we’ll be sure to come up with some type of event so you can all enjoy samples of our local Breweries! Watch for news as we move closer to September!

Many thanks to our expansive Brewfest committee, over 75 Volunteers, specifically, Mr. & Mrs. Tux Burke, and our Sponsors: Point Sebago and Ruth York, High Wire Hydroponics, Mt. Washington Radio, Bridgton News, and Trashman! We could not pull off this amazing event without their continued support year after year!

Angie Cook www.gblrcc.org/brewfest/