A new beer release, two food trucks and live music are all on tap Saturday for the annual Hoptoberfest at Hopkinsville Brewing Co.
The new beer, also called Hoptoberfest, is a German-style marzen and one of brewery co-owner Kate Russell’s favorites.
“It’s not a heavy beer. It’s got a very clean and clear finish,” she said.
Now in its fifth year, Hoptoberfest will open at 10:30 a.m., when Chef Jamie’s food truck will start serving a brunch menu that includes beer cheese eggs Benedict, waffle sandwiches, French toast, breakfast tacos, cheese grits, hashbrown casserole and a brunch burger, along with the chef’s regular menu. Chef Jamie will serve until 2 p.m.
Then from 5 to 9 p.m., On The Flyy’s food truck will serve the supper crowd.
Carolina Rose, an acoustic duo playing covers from the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s, will perform from 6 to 8 p.m.
Two events that are traditionally part of Hoptoberfest — the Beards of the Brewery and stein-holding contests — are being postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Russell and co-owner Joey Medeiros decided they shouldn’t have those events this year since both normally result in large crowds gathering to watch the competitions.
But a couple of new features are planned for this year. Visit Hopkinsville’s photo booth will be set up all day for pictures. And West Kentucky Brew Hop passports will be available to pick up.
The Brew Hop is a new collaboration among tourism officials and craft breweries in nine Western Kentucky towns, including Hopkinsville. Anyone who collects stamps from at least seven of the 13 breweries in the region will be able to earn a special pint glass.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. She spent 30 years as a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition.
