By Rana Jones, Herald Reporter
EVANSTON — On July 27, Evanston’s historic Depot Square was transformed into a beer lover’s paradise as the Evanston Chamber of Commerce hosted the highly anticipated Evanston Brew Fest 2024. With a lively crowd of more than 550 people in attendance, the event proved to be a rousing success, raising approximately $14,500 for the Chamber.
Known for its wide selection of craft beers, the festival offered ticket holders unlimited tastings from a diverse selection of regional breweries. In addition to beer tasting, attendees enjoyed an eclectic mix of live music, tempting snacks from food trucks and unique finds from vendors, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day.
Tammy Staley, executive director of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, expressed her excitement about the success of the event.
“Organizing such a successful event has been both exciting and challenging,” Staley told the Herald. “We are incredibly grateful for the expertise and support of key individuals and the hard work of previous Brew Fest organizers who have laid a solid foundation for this year’s success.”
Funds raised at Brew Fest go toward various community programs and initiatives. The money supports the Evanston Brew Fest itself, the Water Lantern Festival, monthly Chamber Lunch & Learns, Chamber meetings, candidate forums in election years, tourism initiatives and even staff salaries. This financial boost is critical to maintaining the Chamber’s commitment to promoting community engagement and support, Staley said.
Staley also gave special thanks to Julie O’Connell and the Urban Renewal Agency for their invaluable support.
“Their guidance and the ‘Brew Fest Bible’ they generously shared were critical to the success of the event,” Staley said.
The 2024 Evanston Brew Fest attracted not only local beer lovers, but also loyal fans from out of state, such as Utah residents Andrew and Blanca Chavez. The couple has been a regular at the festival since the first year and have only missed a few events.
Andrew Chavez praised Brew Fest for its unique format.
“It’s one of the few festivals where you only pay one entrance fee and then you can try unlimited beer,” he said with a grin.
For $40, attendees can drink as much beer as they want, which he says makes it a standout event. Chavez noted that Brew Fest also has a positive impact on the local economy, as attendees often book hotel rooms and dine at local restaurants.
Despite some disappointments at beer events in Utah, the Chavezes really enjoy the Evanston Brew Fest and appreciate the opportunity to explore the city afterward. Snake River Brewery, one of Wyoming’s oldest breweries, is a particular favorite of Andrew’s.
Another enthusiastic attendee, Maggie Ramsay, shared her appreciation for Brew Fest.
“I was excited by the variety of beers available and had the opportunity to try some I wouldn’t have tried otherwise. I will definitely be looking for these beers in stores,” she said.
Brew Fest continues to be a popular event for locals and visitors alike, offering a unique and fun experience that leaves attendees looking forward to future festivals.
At the end of the event, attendees cast their ballots for their favorite beers, adding an interactive element to the festival. Staley extended his heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, from contributors to attendees, and acknowledged that their collective efforts made Evanston Brew Fest a memorable and fantastic event.
Staley said that given the success of this year’s Brew Fest, the chamber looks forward to building on that momentum and continuing to foster community spirit through future events.
