DOWNWIND: Historic Odessa's first Brewfest

Historic Odessa, Delaware, will hold its first brewfest Saturday, Sept. 6, on the sprawling lawn of the Wilson-Warner House built in 1769 in downtown Odessa. The proceeds will benefit the preservation efforts and educational programming of Historic Odessa Foundation that has historic buildings on 30 acres. They will have more than 45 local and national breweries including Oskar Blues, New Belgium, Dogfish Head and Old Dominion. Colonial re-enactor Rich Wagner will demonstrate the brewing process from start to finish showing the methods and brews known to America’s founders. Brewing was as necessary a domestic craft as hearth cooking and tending a kitchen garden in our early history. Music will abound with Reggae evangelists Spokey Speaky and country crossover specialists Philbilly.

Some highlights include fresh local food, available at Cantwell’s Tavern circa 1700, as well as wines by E&J Gallo, cheese plates from the Fromage and Cheese Boutique paired with different styles of beer and Painted Stave handcrafted spirits from a converted movie theatre in Smyrna. Also available will be Guy & Lady Barrel Cigars, including alcohol infused cigars, from the Dominican Republic.

The $65 VIP tickets with early noon tasting to 2 p.m., and access to limited-quantity beers was sold out before the printed announcements even went out.

The $45 general admission tickets open their gates at 2 p.m. for ticket holders with taps closing at 6 p.m.

Tickets for designated drivers are $10 and give them free soft drinks and access to food, music and vendors. Purchase tickets online at www.odessabrewfest.com or call 302-378-4119.

Volunteers are needed to pour beer and keep the place clean during the day’s festivities. Prospective volunteers may call Cantwell’s at 302-376-0600.