From our vantage, the 2nd Annual Mission Valley Craft Beer Festival was a success. This was evidenced by a fantastic turnout, good weather, excellent food, and great beer. However, things were far from perfect. Valid qualms include long lines, general congestion, and absence of advertised breweries. All things considered, the MVCBF was exactly what it was: a great 2nd year of a developing craft beer festival.
“We didn’t know what to expect,” said Gus Thompson, Restaurant Manager of the Handlery’s in-house Postcards venue and one of the main event coordinators. “Last year, we had a turnout of 200. We had hopes and dreams of 700 people showing up the second time around. This year’s attendance was nearly double.”
Gus acknowledged the shortcomings of the Festival on the beer side, but it wasn’t the Handlery’s fault. By his account, there were more than a few breweries who called and cancelled only hours before the event, and some breweries pulled a no-show, no-call. He declined comment when I asked him to name of those breweries who flaked, “I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.”
He also stated that this was very much a learning experience for the Handlery. “It’s our 2nd year. We’re open to feedback.” Changes to expect for next year? There will be a VIP session at the beginning of the festival, and a shorter general session. To address congestion, more the Handlery’s parking lot will be closed down for the event, thus adding space. Gus also hopes that more breweries will be encouraged to participate: “I called everyone in town, and we got 14 breweries. Based on this years success, we’re hoping that more breweries will attend next year.”
We had fun at the West Coaster tent. Our hangover from the night prior was quickly abated by O’Brien’s firey tostadas, and Kengsington Grill’s vibrant pulled pork sandwiches. Manzanita, Iron Fist, and Hess (aka brewery class of 2010) were in attendance, along with many others. The last beer standing was Ballast Point’s Sculpin.
Even with the problems in account, there were copious amounts of good food and beer raised funds for a great cause. We spoke to many people who were just getting into craft beer and the local San Diego Beer scene. For these reasons we thought that the 2nd Annual Mission Valley Craft Beer Festival went well, and we’re excited to see how the festival improves next year.
UPDATE 3/30
Gus sent me over the breweries that participated in the 2nd Mission Valley Craft Beer Festival. Kudos to the following breweries for helping pioneer this event:
Airdale
Ballast Point
East Lake Brewhouse
Green Flash
Hess Brewing
Iron Fist
Karl Strauss
Left Coast
Manzanita Brewing
New English Brewing
Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing
Stone Brewing.