Second annual Historic Odessa Brewfest set for Sept. 12

The inaugural Historic Odessa Brewfest brought more than 1400 beer lovers to Delaware’s historic Odessa last September. The festival, presented by the Historic Odessa Foundation and Cantwell’s Tavern, returns this year with even more of the finest regional and national craft breweries, local gourmet food, live music, and artisans to the grounds of the 246-year-old Wilson-Warner House. All proceeds of the festival benefit the preservation and education efforts of the Historic Odessa Foundation.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2015 Historic Odessa Brewfest to be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, 12 to 6 p.m. This year, the expanded site, on the grounds of one of the finest Georgian houses in Delaware, will once again host more than 40 local, regional and national craft brewers, including Dogfish Head, 16 Mile, 3rd Wave, Mispillion, Old Dominion, Oskar Blues, Lagunitas, and New Belgium, to name only a few. A VIP tasting from 12 to 2 p.m. (followed by general admission from 2 to 6 p.m.), will provide attendees with access to limited quantity beers.

This year’s all-Delaware, live musical entertainment line-up will be presented on two stages, and includes returning reggae evangelists Spokey Speaky, the contemporary country stylings of The Hung Jury, acoustic jazz and blues artist Bruce Anthony, and acoustic modern rock musician Bob Stretch.

Colonial reenactor, Rich Wagner, will be on hand once again to demonstrate the colonial brewing process from start to finish. In full period dress, Wagner, will make beer on site using historically accurate methods and materials—copper kettles, wooden barrels, hops and grains.

The 2015 Odessa Brewfest includes:

• Farm-fresh local food and refreshments provided by Cantwell's Tavern and the Roaming Raven food truck.

• Fromage a Cheese Boutique from Middletown, a Best Of Delaware 2014 winner, offering plates of cheeses paired with different styles of beer.

• Hy-Point Dairy, family owned in Delaware since 1919, offering ice cream in a variety of delicious flavors.

• Fine kitchenware from Paul Schiffelbein Woodworking and beer bottle crafts from Bottle Slumpers.

• Guy & Lady Barrel Cigars offering premium cigars from the Dominican Republic.

• Fairview Farms homemade jams and jellies.

The presenting sponsor for the second annual Odessa Brewfest is Wilmington Trust. Event sponsors include Main Line Today and Delaware Today, Dover Rent All Tents & Events, SFG –Stecher Financial Group, National HVAC Service, and Universal Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

The Odessa Brewfest is a fund-raising event for the Historic Odessa Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure the legacy of the Historic Houses of Odessa for future generations, through commitment to the preservation of Odessa’s unique historic, architectural, and cultural heritage.