The second Michiana Festival of Beer gives locals a chance to raise money and sample some local breweries

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The second Michiana Festival of Beer kicked off this afternoon at Four Winds Field- with over 800 tickets sold.

The event started in 2019, but last year, organizers had to cancel- and today, people were eager to raise some money for local charities and see what local breweries had to offer. 

It's an event many had marked on their calendar.

“I’m here to try some beer!" said Marshall Livingston, who came out with friends and family. 

But it's more than just the rush to your taste buds- this year aims to support Resale to the Rescue, a charity that helps local animal organizations.

“We are beyond overwhelmed," said Frank Squadroni, one of the event organizers. "We are very heartfelt- thankful for all the people who are coming out today.”

And local breweries- from bigger outfits like Bare Hands Brewery and South Bend Brew Werks-- to homebrewers, set up stands for fans of the craft to sample, offering ciders, meads, and- of course- beer. 

“I do like local breweries, I like IPAs and things like that," said Livingstong. "So I wanted to come out here and try some homemade beer.”

Event organizers said that hosting was a lot of work:

EVENT ORGANIZERS SAY HOSTING IS A LOT OF WORK --

According to Squadroni “It’s daunting. I’m not gonna lie, it’s like planning for a wedding. It’s not always easy, but we shine at the end.”

They've been thrilled by the large turnout, after being unable to host the event in 2020 because of the Coronavirus.

Livingston came out from Niles, Michigan to enjoy the festival.

“I think it’s sweet," he said. "I mean, it’s cool to see South Bend and the surrounding areas are coming together, bringing people to see the ins and outs of how the business works and how distilleries do the process that they do and what makes the good beer that I enjoy drinking.”

Organizers estimated between $10-$15,000 had been raised for Resale to the Rescue, and they hope that with the festival's continued success, it may become an annual event. 

ORGANIZERS ESTIMATE BETWEEN $10 AND $15,000 WERE RAISED FOR RESALE TO THE RESCUE, AND ORGANIZERS HOPE THAT WITH THE FESTIVAL’S CONTINUED SUCCESS, IT MAY BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT.