Swine & Stein Brewfest returns for 15th year in downtown Gardiner
The event, modeled after Oktoberfest in Germany, celebrates the work of breweries, wineries, distilleries and meaderies across the region and state.
Swine & Stein Brewfest, one of Gardiner’s largest annual events, is back Saturday for its 15th year.
Tamara Whitmore, the executive director of Gardiner Main Street, which organizes and puts on the event, said tickets have been selling at a fast pace.
Every year, the festival draws breweries, cideries, distilleries and meaderies from across the region to Water Street.
Whitmore said the festival has evolved into the current tasting format, similar the feel of Oktoberfest, the traditional fall celebration in Germany.
“October is a perfect time of year for a brewfest, and it lends itself to an ‘Oktoberfest’ feel, amplified by holding it right on Water Street,” she said. “We don’t often ask to close down the main artery of our downtown, but the coziness of the buildings on either side gives the ‘street party’ a very unique feeling.”
“Year after year, we hear how first-time visitors are impressed with our merchants and historic downtown. Local people say they appreciate the changes in the downtown, such as the renovated pocket park, restored Johnson Hall Opera House, new shops, restaurants, bakeries, cafes and a brewery. Swine & Stein has definitely introduced more people to Gardiner, who come back again and again to shop, dine and see a show. It is a terrific event for the city.”