Third Havre Trails Brewfest set for this weekend

The third annual brewfest hosted by Havre Trails is returning Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. in Pepin Park with 13 Montana breweries and one winery on tap along with five food trucks at the event.

The cost for an 8-ounce beer taster and two fills is $15, each additional fill costs $2, and 2-ounce wine samples will also be available.

"We needed to raise money so that we could kill two birds with one stone, meaning providing a really cool event for Havre with a fun vibe to celebrate summer and to use that money to give back to the community in some way," Havre Trails President Lindsey Bennett said.

"We totally welcome non-drinkers to come and enjoy the music for free, visit the food trucks. You don't have to be of age to enter the park," she added. "On the other hand, those who wish to drink must be 21 and bring an ID, regardless of age."

The 13 breweries and the winery planning to attend are:

• Triple Dog Brewing Co.;

• Old Station Brewing Co.;

• Vizsla Brewing;

• Blue Ridge Brewing of Malta;

• Busted Knuckle Brewery of Glasgow,

• Beaver Creek Brewery of Wibaux,

• Cut Bank Creek Brewery of Cut Bank;

• Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Co. of Great Falls;

• Lewis & Clark Brewing Co. of Helena;

• Mighty Mo Brewing Co. of Great Falls;

• Philipsburg Brewing Co. of Philipsburg;

• Red Lodge Ales of Red Lodge,

• Highlander Beer of Missoula, and

• Tailing Loop Winery of Kalispell.

The StrEATery, Pretty Paint Catering, Parker's BBQ Pit, Fat Billy and the Boyz BBQ and Little Red Wagon food trucks will sell food during the event.

Helena rock band Stumbling Free will be providing entertainment.

Last year, the atmosphere was really relaxed, the weather was perfect and everyone had a good time, Bennett said. She added that she is hoping to have another perfect event this year.

Money from the last two brewfests helped Havre Trails pay for building a new trail - Rotary Canyon Loop Trail north of Bear Paw Lake.

The summer brewfest is the main fundraiser for Havre Trails, which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and improve the walking, running and bicycle paths in and around Havre.

"We are really grateful for both the sponsorships' support and the community support in terms of attendance," Bennett said. "We appreciate Havre and the surrounding areas coming out and supporting us."

Bennett said numerous businesses have helped sponsor the event.