Ales West Festival brings philanthropy and fun together

By Kendra Simpson

The 6th annual Ales West Festival kicked off at Coleman Hawkins Park Saturday afternoon with an astonishing crowd of over 700 with plenty of drinks to go around.

Thirty-six local and regional breweries got to show off their products to St. Joseph residents while supporting non-profits in the area such as Sisters of Solace, ALFCIO, the Noyes Home for Children and more.

But for the vendors, it’s the passion of brewing that calls them to the festival each year.

“The festival started with the Home-Brew Club over at the Metropolitan with about eight different home brewers here for St. Joe,” Billy Campbell, event organizer and president of the club, said. “Had about 50 tickets that we sold, just as a way to get the home brewers the ability to put their hobby, their craft, out to the public for people to try besides their family and friends.”

“Every year it’s someone is coming up with a new beer or bringing a new beer that I’ve just like, ‘How did you make that as a home brewer?’” Mason McCurdy with Rochester Brewing said. “As a commercial brewer, you know, that’s even a challenge. But (they) did that as a home brewer. That’s amazing … to be able to put that passion and that drive into it.”

With all earnings going toward charitable donations, the participating breweries do not get paid to be part of the event. However, they were all in the running for prizes like the People’s Choice award and the Best Overall pick by judges.

In the end, it was the drinks that brought people to the festival, but it’s the philanthropy and community spirit that will bring it back for many years to come.