Hundreds of beers to try out, food to taste at ballpark fest

The craft beer boom has produced an astonishing variety of foam-capped flavors and that boom has been a boon to the Arthritis Foundation of Arkansas' annual Foam & Food Fest.

"Every year, we increase the beers," says Executive Director Angela Harris. "I didn't even think they made that many beers."

Foam & Food Fest is celebrating 20 years of delivering drinks, food, music and fun to central Arkansas, and this year's drinks count is into the hundreds.

As Harris explains, "It's kind of a creative twist to a traditional wine tasting event."

Attendees can meander through the booths tasting varieties of local, regional and even international beers served by distributors, brewers and fermenters, who may provide a little advice and beer education along with the samples.

Harris recommends checking out the beer list on the website (foamfest.org) before going to develop a game plan. Even with only 4-ounce sips, "No one can taste 400 beers."

Only people 21 and older are allowed in and IDs will be checked at the door.

But even the beer-averse are welcome and could find themselves pleasantly surprised.

Harris says, "We have a few people who say they don't like beer, but I'll find you something you'll like that does not taste like beer."

And if that doesn't work, there are wines, ciders and soft drinks on tap too.

The festival started 20 years ago when Vino's Brewpub and Glazer's hosted and it has grown exponentially since then. This year's participants include Lost Forty Brewing, Goose Island Brewery, Rock Town Distillery and Stone's Throw Brewing.

As attendees make their way through the multitude of beverages, they can cast their votes to determine the People's Choice Award winner.

"Though sometimes they're not beers that win, much to the chagrin of the craft beer nerds," Harris says remembering the time Wine-A-Rita came out on top to cries of "That's not even beer!"

Admission includes unlimited food and drinks and a souvenir cup. There are also VIP tickets that include 5:15 p.m. entrance to the festival, a T-shirt, lanyard and access to specialty beers.

There also will be a silent auction with prizes such as free pizza for a year from Mellow Mushroom and a fold-up bike that Harris claims is "pretty cute." A DJ will provide music.

Proceeds help sponsor children with arthritis for a week at Camp Aldersgate's Camp AcheAway in July.

That much unlimited alcohol needs a buffer so restaurants including Samantha's Tap Room and Wood Grill, Cantina Laredo, Vino's Brewpub and Shorty Smalls will all be on hand with tasting samples.

If people do have too much, there will be cabs and Uber drivers on site or on call. And there are Designated Driver tickets (including unlimited food and soft drinks) available, although nondrinkers still have to be 21 or older to enter.

Weekend on 04/13/2017