This article brought to you by Goodwin’s Market
Article by Christina Hernandez
Photos and video by Sergey Astakhov
The 8th Annual Spirits of the West Brewfest kicked off on Friday, July 26th, at the Big Bear Convention Center, hosted by Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon. The Big Bear Convention Center was transformed into the Old West before our very own eyes. On Friday, attendees enjoyed free admission into the Big Bear Convention Center to enjoy family-friendly entertainment and live music. Though entry was free, a percentage of any orders that were placed for food and/or drinks at the bar were donated to the Historical Society. Live music by the one and only South of Sante Fe took the stage. The fun didn’t stop there on Friday; attendees learned how to two-step and do-si-do with complimentary country dance lessons. For the kids, there were countless complimentary crafts and fun things to do in the kids fun zone.
Saturday July 27, 2019 marked the National Day Of The Cowboy and The Spirits of the West Brewfest celebrated properly. The Spirits of the West Brewfest went full force on Saturday with their celebrations and activities. Admission was $5.00 for adults, and children under the age of 16 were admitted free. As a special treat, guests could also purchase sampling kits, which came with a commemorative pint glass and five sampling tickets for the price of $12.00. Individual beer sampling tickets could also be purchased for the price of $1.00 per ticket and for spirits $3.00 per ticket. The beer and spirit tasting commenced at 1 p.m. and ended 6 p.m., with over 50 beer and spirits to sample.
Attendees of Saturday’s event also enjoyed the spectacular Temecula Action Gun Fighters, performing live action shows and stunts for everyone in attendance to enjoy throughout the day. There were also countless unique vendors for attendees to browse and purchase wonderful items. The fun, of course, did not end there. Kids attending this event enjoyed free activities at the Kid Fun Zone, with complimentary bounce houses, balloon artist, search-and-rescue horses they could pet, feed, and saddle up on. The Big Bear Lake Sheriff’s Posse was also at this event to deputize all the adorable cowboys and cowgirls. For Saturday’s live entertainment, guests listened to the tunes of Sligo Rags on Wyatt’s Stage, and on the second stage guests indulged in local favorite Terry McRaven at The Beer Garden Stage. Live music started at 2 p.m. and continued throughout the night until 11 p.m. on Saturday. Challenge seekers at the Spirits of the West Brewfest could brave the mechanical bull, for those who dared to try to test their skills. In addition to these awesome activities and events that took place on Saturday, there was also a complimentary shuttle service that began at 7 p.m., delivering attendees to their homes within the Big Bear Valley area.
Sunday, July 28th, wrapped up the celebrations with a Cowboy Brunch, featuring live music and a special brunch menu with a Bloody Mary bar and bottomless Mimosas. Spirits of the West Brewfest was a wonderful event. There was something for everyone of all ages to enjoy. If you missed The Spirits of the West Brewfest, make sure you plan your visit for next year’s celebration.