We've said it before and we're saying it again: There is no better acronym than the SLOBs. And they host a good party, too.
The Seneca Lake Order of Brewers, also known as “SLOBs,” is holding its fourth annual beer festival from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at 41 Lakefront Hotel in Geneva.
SLOB Fest, as it’s known, will feature 18 Seneca Lake breweries and their beers as well as offer live music, food vendors and outdoor games. A downtown pub crawl after the festival will see a number of downtown Geneva businesses offering dinner and drink specials.
Derek Edinger, SLOB president and co-owner of Brewery Ardennes in Geneva, said the collaborative community of brewers is excited to share their passion with guests and friends.
“We’re also excited
to partner with local Geneva businesses, which are hosting craft beer events after the festival,” Edinger said.
Besides tasting craft beer made by friends and neighbors, there are three other reasons to become one with the SLOBs.
1. NY Hop Beer Competition
The festival will also include the second annual New York Hop Beer Competition, dubbed the “SLOB Cup.”
This fun festival is held in partnership with the Hop Growers of New York. Festival attendees will get to sample and judge unique beers brewed just for this festival. And they’re 100% local New York hops, by the way.
Hop growers and Cornell Agritech will host hop educational events.
Rick Pedersen, of the Hop Growers of New York, said visitors will be able to sample the newest hops in the newest beers, from local farms to local brewers to your glass.
2. Meet your SLOBs
This is a great opportunity to celebrate Seneca Lake craft beer and interact with the local brewers, owners and hop growers who make it.
The folks from Big aLICe Brewing, Fleur De Lis Brew Works, War Horse Brewing Co., Wagner Valley Brewing Co., Climbing Bines Craft Ale Co., Grist Iron Brewing Co., Brewery Ardennes, Lake Drum Brewing, Seneca Lodge Brewery, Two Goats Brewing, Watershed Brewing Co., Lucky Hare Brewing, Tin Barn Brewing, Seneca Stag Brewing Co., Scale House Brewery, Seneca Lake Brewing Co., WeBe Brewing Co. and Off Leash Brewing are expected to be there.
They operate on the Seneca Lake Brew Trail, with some breweries in Geneva at one end of the lake and Watkins Glen at the other. Many others are in between on both sides of this Finger Lake.
But thanks to SLOB Fest, they’re in one location for the afternoon.
3. Taste why craft beer is so important in the Finger Lakes
Learn why the SLOBs are important to the Finger Lakes region.
OK, here’s a hint.
The nonprofit organization represents, supports and promotes its members. In doing so, they hope to further educate and grow craft beverage around Seneca Lake and draw attention its vital role to the Finger Lakes region as an economic engine that promotes agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.
The member breweries meet regularly to collaborate on events, promotions and initiatives that benefit visitors and the local community alike.
To get tickets for SLOB Fest
The cost is $40; $55 at the door. A designated driver ticket is $10. VIP admission is $55 and gets you in an hour ahead of time.
For more details and to purchase tickets, go to senecalakebrewtrail.com.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: SLOB Fest returns to Geneva with 20+ Seneca Lake breweries, beer and more
