What could bring over 3,000 people together on a typical late August day to sit in grass, stomp around in dust, and stand in line for a while? Only beer and wine–local beer and wine, that is. The 2nd Annual Kegs and Corks Festival went off without a hitch last night: people gained (or deepened) their appreciation for good wine and beer, the live music entertainment rocked the venue, and the paramedics only had to respond to one minor injury. We describe the major details below in the hopes to bring back good memories from last night and to encourage you to attend next year, too.
By two in the afternoon, the parking lot at the county fairgrounds was nearly full. As attendees walked through the ticket line, got a wrist band, and picked up a souvenir wine or beer glass filled with tickets, they saw all the options for the day. Vendors lined the walkway up to the beer and wine tents, selling everything from candles to dog bones to salsa. Catering services set up along the pathway too, with falafel, fries, nachos, cheesesteaks, chicken gyros, grilled fish tacos, and–the obligatory festival food–funnel cake. 
Against the backdrop of vendors, drink tents, and food services, live entertainment set up on the stage. The Truth Project entertained with contemporary rock for the first hour of the event. Appaloosa then brought easy-going rock and covered a lot of popular songs from the 70s and 80s. Attendees couldn’t miss Uncle Jack Band, who performed next, thanks to their bright fuchsia outfits. This group covered Motown, 70s music, and other funky tunes. Finally, the Dublin 5 brought celtic rock and Irish hits to the stage. Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed the show on the sloped lawn, stood around the perimeter, and even danced on the dance floor at the stage.
The wine and beer were the most important items at the festival, by far. There were three large areas stocked with alcohol from which to choose. A pole building on the property housed the big-name beers, like Stella Artois and Foster’s. Next to the pole building, the increasing popular wines from local vineyards drew in crowds. Under the wine tent, attendees saw wine from Boordy, Far Eastern Shore, Cassinelli, Cove Point, Bordeleau, and more. The tickets given at the ticket booth didn’t hold much weight in the wine tent: attendees could have a squirt or two of wine but must purchase glasses for $5. Even still, the Apple Wine Bordeleau was worth $5 and, full bottles of wine were all fairly priced and a good deal.
Great Frogs had its own tent and country-themed display in front of the wine tent. Great Frogs had wine barrels fashioned to umbrellas and a big tent that awarded shade to the folks interested in their wine. Bottles of wine, sunflowers, decorative frogs, and even a big green truck were all part of the display. Chardonnay, Annapolis White, and Lollipop Red were all outrageously delicious.
The craft beer tent was much larger than the wine tent and was constantly full of beer enthusiasts. Lines for each craft brewery (Goose Island, Boulevard, Flying Dog, Devils Backbone, Heavy Seas, New Belgium, Yard, Terrapin, etc.) formed in organized chaos. Though some lines were difficult to locate and took awhile, the gulps of freshly tapped beer were worth it. Additionally, the tickets awarded much more than they did for wine: 1 ticket got attendees 1/3 of a glass and more tickets got attendees a fuller glass. Yards’s Pale Ale and New Belgium’s Pumpkick were among the most popular, and for good reason too. 
If none of this has translated into “I must go next year,” here are some perks of the event:
– Attendees are never carded since the ticket booth helpers check id
– It’s out in the open air and at a beautiful venue, which is a great way to enjoy summer
– Attendees, helpers, and folks from wineries and breweries are friendly and want to converse
– There is freedom to roam, taste what you please, and relax where you please
– The low price of the event means you get your $25 worth within a few hours
– The event spans from noon to 7 p.m., but folks are allowed in and out at all times
There is no word about the 2014 Kegs and Corks Festival yet, but its site should post the date within a few months. This festival is the perfect opportunity to merge outdoorsy entertainment with sophisticated drinks. See you next year!
Leave A Comment