The long-running Okanagan Fest of Ale returns to Penticton April 11-12. In addition to a wide variety of beer styles presented by breweries from all over British Columbia, this two-day event also features ciders, fabulous food, and entertainment.
The Fest of Ale is unique in that it donates all of its proceeds back into the community. Operating as a non-profit society, the organizers are committed to supporting and promoting the growing world of quality brewery products, local tourism, and local charitable organizations. Since its inception in 1996, over $850,000 in net proceeds has been gifted back to registered charities.
A special focus of the event is the now BJCP Sanctioned Fest of Ale Awards program. Participating breweries enter their best beers to compete in several different style categories. A panel of judges tastes all the submissions—they consider the aroma, appearance, flavour, mouthfeel, overall quality of each beer, and provide constructive feedback for the brewers. Ultimately, they pick the best beer in each category and then select a Best in Show out of all the style winners. The awards are announced from the stage about an hour before the end of the event on Saturday so that folks in attendance can seek out and taste the winners themselves.
The Fest of Ale takes place at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre, with breweries stationed both indoors and outdoors, along with numerous food options and other fun activities like a free photo booth, live music and games. Why not stretch out your visit around the festival for an extra couple of days? There are several local breweries to visit plus numerous activities to enjoy, including golf, shopping, touring the Penticton Farmers’ Market, and walking or bicycling along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail.
There will be lots of additional events happening around town, including a pre-festival tasting event hosted by Joe Wiebe at Abandoned Rail Brewing on April 10 (check festofale.ca for details).
