Dan's Papers - August 1, 2008 - The Fork Craft Beer, BBQ, & Wine Festival

Everything That You Could Ever Possibly Want That Makes You Happy, All At One Festival

What can be more refreshing than sipping a cold beer on a hot summer's day? Or perhaps you enjoy hanging out with your friends and family at a vineyard barbeque while listening to live music. Voted Dan's Papers 2007 Best of the Best North Fork Event of the Year, the North Fork Craft Beer, BBQ, & Wine Festival returns to claim its title on Saturday, August 9 at the beautiful Martha Clara Vineyard in Jamesport. Organized over the past year by Starfish Junction Productions, co-owners, Andy Calimano and Ed Duhon, have incorporated new additions to the event for attendees' enjoyment and enrichment.

Showcasing over 50 craft breweries both locally and nationally, not only will the public be able to sample over 100 fine ales, but also speak with brewers that will assist in the purchase process. Generous sponsorship and participating breweries include Blue Point Brewery and Southampton Ales & Lagers along with Boulder Beer Co., Brooklyn Brewery, Cape Ann Brewing Co., Dogfish Head, Harlem Brewing Co., Kona Brewing Co., Crop Circle, Long Trail, Oscar Blues, Peak Organic, Sam Adams, Ramstein, Sly Fox and many others.

Calimano projects that 2,000 people will attend the event. "We're expecting a combination of locals and tourists. We've got calls that Bed & Breakfasts have received lots of guests along with people who planned limo day trips. We're even trying to arrange bus service from New York City to the North Fork," Calimano said. He also added that this event would boost business in the North Fork, as many people will also be interested in trying various restaurants in the area post-festival.

Not only does this event seek to educate the public about micro-brewed beers, but there's also a charity component. Starfish Junction Production has donated over $40,000 to various community programs and a percentage of the proceeds from the festival will be donated to Peconic Bay Medical Center, Long Island Cares, New York State Brewers Association, and the Terry Ferrell Firefighters Fund. Calimano also encourages attendees to bring a donation for the food drive and receive a free raffle ticket for chances to win exciting prizes.

Although it's strongly advised to purchase tickets in advance, those who choose to show up on whim will have to spend more money at the door and may even be turned away as Starfish Junction Productions have their attendees' safety and comfort as priority and won't over book.

With much time, effort, and planning that has gone into this event, two new additions have been incorporated to the festival. First, is the VIP ticket option. "We've added a VIP session that allows people to sample special beers that are in a limited quantity," said Calimano. VIP invited guests and VIP ticket holders will receive a souvenir tasting glass, admission to special one-hour meet and greet with brewers, beer tasting, a BBQ sandwich & side dish, and attendance at any of the special programming events for only $75.00. General admission tickets are $50.00 and $10.00 for designated drivers. With each paid admission ticket, attendees will enjoy a choice of a BBQ sandwich and a side prepared by Maple Tree BBQ. Maple Tree BBQ will also have additional food available for purchase during the event.

Another addition is that of hands-on cooking demonstrations conducted by Chris Palmer, Executive Chef at Maxwell and Dunne's Natural Steakhouse. Palmer will cook with various types of beers including Black Forest, Southampton, Peak Organic, and Blue Point that can easily be adapted in your culinary repertoire.

With so many great activities planned for the day, Calimano expressed the absolute highlight. "Everyone will have the opportunity to meet and ask the brewers questions, sample beers, taste wines from Martha Clara Vineyard, and have the opportunity to purchase beers in bigger bottles-similarly to wine and champagne bottles at the Bottle Shop." The Bottle Shop, housed in its own tent, will showcase the country's best specialty beers (750 ml and 22 oz. bottles only). Calimano explains the benefits of purchasing beer in a large bottle format as it makes a nice gift when going to a friend's house, easier to transport instead of a 12 pack, and its an unique way of serving beer when entertaining.

For further information and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.northforkcraftbeerfestival.com. The event will take place outdoors-under a tent, rain or shine (no refunds) for those who are 21 years old and over. No one will be admitted without photo ID. No exceptions! Martha Clara Vineyard is located at Herricks Lane-Jamesport, NY. The event runs from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. for VIP guests and from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. for the general public.