Beer Fest features 27 beer vendors, 100 samples

People who attend the Rock River Beer Fest Saturday will enjoy more than 100 beer profiles, Luverne restaurant flair, live local music, commemorative beer fest mugs and a home brew contest with cash prizes.
“This year’s event is bigger and better than ever,” said Luverne Area Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere.
“We have seven more breweries than last year. By serving over 100 beer profiles you will be able to sample new craft beer recipes — some that have just been released.”
The second annual Beer Fest, touted as a “Celebration of Craft Beers,” will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, will be at the Blue Mound Ice Arena where 27 breweries will present their best craft beer for the sampling event.
In addition to Luverne’s own Take 16 Brewery, attending breweries include August Schell, 10th and Blake, Bells, Big Sky, Boston Beer, Boulevard, Ommegang, Central Waters, Crow Peak, Deschutes, Fargo, Fulton, Goose Island, Kona, LIFT Bridge, New Belgium, New Holland, Redhook, Shiner, Traveler, Sierra Nevada, Summit, Surly, Third Street, Two Brothers and West O. 
Also at this year’s Beer Fest, Round Lake Vineyards and Winery will serve some of their award-winning wines, and food will be available from The Bluestem, Sterling’s Café & Grille and Pizza Ranch.
Live music will be provided by Ron and Jane Cote’s Tequila Sunrise from 2 to 4 p.m. and Luverne’s Not Exactly performing from 4 to 6 p.m.
The Luverne Trolley will offer free rides to and from the Rock River Beer Fest between the hours of 1 and 7 p.m.  Call 507-920-0332 or 507-920-5197 to arrange a ride.
Licensed shuttle drivers are also available for a small fee to deliver attendees and their vehicles back to their houses.
Advanced Beer Fest tickets are $25 available at Luverne Area Chamber, Take 16 Brewery, Blue Mound Liquor and from members of the Luverne Baseball Association. 
They are also available on-line at www.rockriverbeerfest.com
Attendees must be 21 years old or older, and IDs will be required.
Tickets cost $30 day of the event, and designated driver tickets are $10 at the door.
Proceeds will support youth programming and community events.
The Chamber is soliciting volunteers to help with Beer Fest for $10 cash per two-hour shifts.  Call the Chamber at 507-283-4061 if interested.