Beer flowed, people danced, bands jammed and local business owners welcomed an influx of patrons Saturday at Fort Collins’ annual Brewfest.
Breweries showcased more than 50 local and regional beers at the Downtown Business Association’s signature event that taps about 400 kegs over the two-day festival that ends today.
In the past, the throngs – organizers estimate about 30,000 people in the area on Saturday and today – have scared away local customers, some business owners have said.
David Short, DBA executive director, said eight to 10 complaints were filed about last year’s Colorado Brewers’ Festival, mostly about congestion and doorways being blocked.
“We don’t like it to be hard on businesses,” he said. “We hope to make up for it with more marketing that brings more customers down other times.”
It’s not all bad, though. Patrons flock to bars and restaurants.
John Hynds, manager of the Jimmy John’s sandwich shop about a block away from the epicenter of Brewfest, estimated about a 30 percent increase in business during last year’s event.
Short said the festival is an ingrained part of Fort Collins culture.
“It’s Fort Collins’ homecoming, really,” he said.
The festival starts up again at 11 a.m. today and ends at 6 p.m.
Staff writer Vimal Patel can be reached at 303-954-1638 or vpatel@denverpost.com.
