Proposed Beer Fest Clears Liquor License Hurdle

One major hurdle for the Midwest Brewers Fest -- a change in the liquor ordinance that will allow the event to be held Aug. 27 -- was approved Monday night by the Plainfield Village Board.

The ordinance change, which outlines the guidelines for outdoor craft beer festivals, was presented by Interim Police Chief John Konopek, who worked out the details with fest organizers Steve Caton, owner of Limestone Brewing Company, and Dale Lewis, owner of Finnegan's Irish Pub.

Board trustees were briefed on the event last week, in advance of the approval of a new Class H temporary liquor license.

The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Electric Park, and the profit generated -- expected to be about $40,000 -- will be donated to the Riverfront Foundation, which is raising money to restore the park on the DuPage River.

About 50 Midwest-based craft brewers offering 150 different types of beer will be on hand, as will food vendors chosen for fare that complements beer and local bands hand-picked to enhance the atmosphere, organizers said.

Tickets will cost $40 in advance and $50 at the gate, and no more than 4,000 will be sold. Each attendee will be able to sample 15 2-ounce beers, or more, if they're willing to pay $10 for 20 more samples.