Silverton organizes new beer festival

Summer is the season for beer festivals, so I'm glad to announce that a new festival, Silverton Rockin' Brews, will be coming to the mountain town north of Durango next month.

The festival begins at noon on Sat., June 12th, on the softball field at the entrance to town. (I've always wanted to play there. Hitting at 9,000 feet elevation could make anyone feel like Albert Pujols).

For a first-time festival, the brewery list is impressive. Among the breweries that are confirmed to attend are Silverton Brewery, Ska Brewing, Del Norte Brewing, Crested Butte Brewing, Carver Brewing, Colorado Boy Brewery, Steamworks Brewing, Dolores River Brewery, San Luis Valley Brewing, and Horsefly Brewing.

Four distilleries will join the breweries: Montanya Distillers in Silverton, Peach Street Distillers of Palisade (a kissing-cousin company to Ska), DownSlope Distillery and Boulder Distillers.

Live music will be provided Durango’s Lawn Chair Kings, the Denver City Saltlicks, Cyle Talley and the Late Greats, also from Durango.

The event is 12 p.m.-5 p.m. and tickets are $30, which includes a commemorative tasting glass and unlimited tastes.

Designated drivers (and non-drinkers) pay only $10, and kids under 12 are free. Following the festival, visitors can enjoy live music at bars and restaurants throughout Silverton, including the official (and free) after-party at the Silverton Brewery with the Lawn Chair Kings beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket packages are also available through the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, including an option to ride up on the train in the morning and return on a bus that will depart for Durango late enough for visitors to have dinner after the festival’s conclusion.

All proceeds from Silverton Rockin’ Brews will go to support the Silverton Family Learning Center, the local Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool.

Tickets are on sale at Silverton Brewery or online at www.rockinbrews.com. Save $5 by ordering online using the code "TRAIN."

(Thanks to Silverton Brewery's Kate Harvie for the press release).