The other weekend I had the honor or representing Pinckney Bend Distilling at 2nd Shift’s annual brewfest. What? Gin next to beer? You’d be surprised at how well we go over!
The event staff of Pinckney Bend – yours truly included.
I’ve worked many brewfests in my time and attended even more. What I always love about them is the camaraderie among all those working. Yes everyone likes being the busy booth and the booth everyone talks about, but everyone supports each other. It’s a wonderful family. A family that cheers when you succeed, cries when you fail, but always keeps you on your toes. A group of people doing things because they love doing them. I’m sure we could always get paid more or have a free saturday, but I don’t think anyone of us would have wanted to be anywhere else. We were together and doing what we are passionate about. That, my friends, is a perfect day.
This is a shot from the very beginning of the event. Slow start, but a great time!
2nd shift brewery had a really great set up. It was intimate, but with plenty of space to move around. They had some great music, but it wasn’t too loud and you could still talk. It also helped that it may have just been one of the most perfect summer days so far. If you have never been to the Cedar Creek Conference Center or to 2nd Shift you are missing out. One of the pretties views of the Missouri countryside you’ll see. And they have damn good beer. View. Beer. Go.
I had worked an event the weekend before in Hermann, which had a very large crowd. We had a solid turnout, but it really was quality over quantity. Everyone who was there was generally interested in tasting and sampling. It’s very refreshing to be at an event that’s just not about seeing how much you can get for the ticket price, but expanding your horizons and tastes to perhaps discover something new. Sometimes at these events you have people who hang out at one booth. I understand having a bit more of a favorite, but why go if you only want to drink Bud Light? If you’re not interested in seeing all the crazy and tasty things other people do, you should spend that $30 bucks and sit at home. Silly.
Perks of the job are pretty awesome.
I wish I would have had the energy to stay for the after party. Our wonderful sponsors hold an after party for all the workers to swap stories, share laughs and sample wares. Sadly, I had a little big of a 4th of July and needed a nap and no more sun. This half irish girl can only handle so much sunny outside weather! Next year, however, I have vowed to tame down my 4th of July party and make it.
I had only one issue with the event. It’s the same issue I have with all New Haven events – lack of people. I know it wasn’t for lack of marketing. Maybe it’s lack of marketing the New Haven. People act like it’s 100 miles away, but will go up to a winery in Hermann or down to South County. People seem to think New Haven is “so far”. When I told some friends I had to work, they seemed confounded that New Haven would have a brewfest. I always laugh when people from Kirkwood or some Amtrack daytrippers come out and say things like “it’s so cute” or “do you guys have bathrooms?”. No Lady. We go out in the barrel. But seriously, I think people just assume New Haven either goes to Washington or Hermann to do things. I mean that is true, but people from Hermann go to Washington and Washingtonians go to Augusta. Travel people. It’s good for your soul (and the economy).
Sometimes I’m amazed they let us out at all.
All in all it was a great event. A wonderful day with wonderful people and wonderful products. I suggest you get over the idea that New Haven is a place where things don’t happen. Next time, I suggest you buy a ticket and experience it yourself.
Cheers!
newartshaven 