The combination of catered food, live music and 17 different kinds of brews to taste from create the recipe for the fifth annual Brewfest Friday.
“It’s a fun way to kick off the weekend,” said senior communication major Paula Mehrkens, head of Public Relations and Marketing for Brewfest. Brewfest will consist of two sessions, both at the Schweitzer Event Center in Pullman.
The first session will be 5 to 7 p.m. and the second will be 8 to 10 p.m. Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Management Society teamed with the Hospitality Business Management (HBM) 301 class to organize the event.
The two programs working together was a positive change for Brewfest.
“It really improved the quality of the event,” Mehrkens said. “I think it’s going to be a really fun event. It’s really coming together nicely.”
Another change in Brewfest this year is the theme.
Even though Brewfest takes place during Dad’s Weekend, organizers are concentrating more on Cougar athletics. Previous WSU sports games throughout the years will be playing on televisions in the background.
“We’ve totally revamped our theme and decorations,” said senior HBM major Cora Eifert, Director of Events for the HMB 301 class. “It’s more of a relaxed, tailgating event.”
At Brewfest, there will be about 17 different kinds of beers from breweries across the Pacific Northwest. Visit brewfest.wsu.edu for a complete list of attending breweries. The School of Hospitality is providing free food, consisting of barbeque ribs, Cougar Gold macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, nachos and various desserts. In addition to food and drink, the band Bare Wires from Moscow, Idaho, will be performing live and the Crimson Girls will be in attendance.
“There’s so much to look forward to,” said senior Hospitality major Brigget Wos, Director of Events for Eta Sigma Delta. Tickets are $30 with student I.D., and students can buy up to two tickets at that price. They are being sold in the CUB. Online, at brewfest.wsu.edu, students can buy tickets for $35. Tickets are also being sold at entrance to Brewfest on Friday for $40, but only if there is space left.
The first session is sold out, but tickets are still available for the second session. Tickets include 10 tasting tickets and a commemorative tasting glass. Students have to be 21 years of age or older to buy tickets and attend Brewfest.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how people turn out,” Wos said. “I’m really happy because we’ve never sold out a session for Brewfest ever.”
Organizers of Brewfest are mostly looking forward to the theme of the event.
“It’s very Coug-oriented, I’m looking forward to that,” Mehrkens said. “I know my dad is planning on attending even though I’ll be working.”
Eifert says the energy of the event is one of her favorite things about it.
“Personally, I’m just really excited for this event. It’s one of the funnest events I’ve been to on campus and I’m a senior,” Eifert said. “The energy, for me, is the best part.”