31 January 2014

Winterfest 2014 FAQs

This year's Brewer's of Indiana Guild (BIG) Winterfest is expected to draw 4,000 people and 80-ish breweries to the Champion's Pavillion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds which means it will be the first time a number of attendees and brewers have the chance to experience one of the best festivals on the Indiana beer festival calendar. We figured that it would be helpful to publish some Frequently Asked Questions to try and make it the best experience possible for everyone. If you have a question that is not covered, tweet us at @HoosierBeerGeek and we will try our best to get an answer.

LOCATION
Q: Is the festival in the same building it was last year?
A: No. While the festival is still at the fairgrounds, it has moved to the Champion's Pavillion. The Champion's Pavillion is the first building East of the Pepsi Coliseum and the entrance is on the north side of the building (i.e. the side closest to the grandstand/track) 

Q: Is the Champion's Pavillion the one with the Marsh logo that is visible from 38th Street?
A: Yes and No. The Champion's Pavillion is connected to the Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavillion on the north side. To enter the Champion's Pavillion, you have to come to the north side of the building. There will be no entry through the Marsh Pavillion. 

Q: So, where should I park?
A: We suggest you park in the southeast lot by the intersection of Fall Creek and 38th Street. We are not sure which fairgrounds entry gates will be open that day, but that is the closest lot.

Q: Do I need to pay for parking?
A: Yes. Bring $5 for parking.

ENTRY
Q: I am a brewer/vendor. Where do I enter?
A: The Brewer/vendor check-in is on the south side of the Champion's Pavillion between the Champion's Pavillion and the Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavillion. You will not be allowed to enter the building without a wristband and this is the only place for you to get your wristbands.

Q: I have a ticket at Will Call/I am on the media list. Where do I need to go?
A: You need to come to the main entrance box office.

Q: I have a/an General Admission/Early Entry ticket. Where do I need to stand?
A: There will be two entrances marked by signs. The Early Entry line will be to the East of the main entrance. The General Admission line(s) will be at the main entrance.

Q: I need to buy a DD ticket. Where can I do that?
A: DD tickets will be available at the main box office where the Will Call and media list are being handled.

Q: What time does the festival start?
A: If you have an Early Entry ticket, it starts at 2p. We will start scanning tickets and checking IDs as close to 1:45p a possible. If you have a General Admission ticket, the festival starts for you at 3p and we will do our best to start scanning tickets and checking IDs at 2:30p. No matter what ticket you have, the last beer will be poured at 7p.

Q: Are you doing the corral system like you did at Summerfest?
A: Yes. We will do our best to get you inside the building and out of the rain as quickly as possible. Please respect the corral boundaries and the volunteers.

Q: Can I bring water in with me?
A: Yes. As long as it is in a sealed bottle, you may bring it in. If you have a container you plan to fill with water, it must be empty at the time of entry. We will have ESG security on hand to search bags in a professional and courteous manner.

Q: Is there a coat check option?
A: Yes. There will be a larger number of coat racks this year than last year.

FESTIVAL
Q: Will there be a map of brewery locations this year?
A: Yes. You will get one as you enter as you have with festivals in the past.

Q: Will the cask area, Malt Shoppe, or ReplicALE be inside the building or outside like they were last year?
A: Given the weather forecast, we are planning to have them all inside the building. There will be an outdoor smoking area.

Q: Will there be water stations to rinse my tasting glass?
A: Yes. There will be three water stations located on the main floor. We highly encourage you to drink water throughout the festival.

Q: Is there a place that I can get coffee during the festival?
A: Yes. Bee Coffee will be in the DD area again this year. Coffee and soft drinks are included in the DD ticket and are available for purchase for everyone else.

Q: Is there going to be a concession area?
A: Yes. There will be some food available for purchase. However, we highly encourage you to eat before you show up and supplement your base with concession food.

Q: Is anyone selling beer-related merch?
A: Yes. There will be a few vendors selling merchandise.

Q: I don't see <insert brewery name here> this year. Are they going to be there?
A: With the growth in breweries across the state of Indiana, the Guild made some tough decisions this year and had to limit the participation by Indiana breweries and breweries from other states.

We look forward to a great festival on Feb 1st, 2014.



2 comments:

  1. Q: If I poke Jason in the stomach will he giggle like the Pillsbury Doughboy? Would you recommend people do this during the festival?

    ReplyDelete
  2. If we're being dropped off any recommendation on how we get in?

    ReplyDelete