Organizer: Midwest Brewers Fest 'A Screaming Success'

Organizers for Midwest Brewers Fest said the 2012 event raised more than $41,000 in just six hours — including $25,000 for the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation.

“We had another successful year, and look forward to an even better 2013,” said organizer Rahul Wahi.

He estimated attendance at more than 3,000 for the second annual fest, which drew more than 60 breweries from throughout the country.

Along with the $25,000 donation to the Riverfront Foundation, $5,000 was raised for Pints for Prostates, Wahi said.

Held at Riverfront Park along the DuPage River, this year’s Aug. 25 event was an “ode to brewers,” Wahi said in a press release.

Riverfront Foundation President Rob Epley said he learned of the donation on Friday.

While he said he appreciated the donation, Epley criticized fest organizers for their plan to present the donation check at Monday night’s Plainfield village board meeting.

“The first public knowledge I received of any donation came late this past Friday, as they asked [Village Administrator] Brian Murphy to present a check in a public forum, even though I invited them to a more appropriate forum in that our regular foundation meeting is scheduled for [Tuesday],” Epley said in an email.

“Not sure I agree with the public grandstanding after the unfortunate occurrence last year,” Epley added, referring to fest organizers’ failure to deliver on a promise to turn a profit — and raise up to $40,000 for the Riverfront Foundation — at the inaugural event in 2011. Instead, organizers said the first event just managed to break even.

“With that said, we as a foundation always feel fortunate to have the support of many who believe in the long-term benefits to the community of this revitalization project,” Epley said.

This year’s Aug. 25 Midwest Brewers Fest featured a VIP lounge, live music, a “Craft Beer 101” tent, glassblowing demos, a cigar lounge, artisan foods and an appearance by 95.9 The River.

Wahi called the event a “screaming success,” thanking the Village of Plainfield and Plainfield Police Department for helping make the event successful.

Next year’s Midwest Brewers Fest is set for Aug. 24, 2013.

Did you attend this year's Midwest Brewers Fest? What did you think?