Thomas Osiecki, president and COO of American Racing and Entertainment at Tioga and Vernon Downs, announced the first inaugural Southern Tier Beer Festival at Tioga Downs, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
At a press conference held on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, Tioga Downs’ officials announced a new event scheduled on Saturday, Aug. 22, the Southern Tier Beer Festival at Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y.
Thomas Osiecki, president and COO of American Racing and Entertainment at Tioga and Vernon Downs, shared that over a year ago Tioga Downs began discussions to plan for a future beer festival to be held during the regular race season, and since that time sought out the best partner, of which they selected All About Beer Magazine’s World Beer Festival.
The Southern Tier Beer Festival at Tioga Downs will include local and regional brewers, the number of which have grown significantly, and will be an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate beer from the southern tier area.
Osiecki stated, “We are really excited and expect it to be the premiere beer festival in the Southern Tier.”
Special guest, John Holl, award-winning editor of “All About Beer Magazine” and author of the “American Craft Beer Cookbook,” was invited to announce the beer festival at Tioga Downs. A judge at beer competitions around the world and a lecturer on craft beers, among other accomplishments, Holl’s work is dedicated to covering all aspects of the beer community.
Special guest John Holl, award-winning editor of “All About Beer Magazine,” and author of the “American Craft Beer Cookbook,” was invited to announce the first inaugural Southern Tier Beer Festival at Tioga Downs. A judge at beer competitions around the world and a lecturer on craft beers, among other accomplishments, Holl’s work is dedicated to covering all aspects of the beer community.
All About Beer is America’s leading beer magazine, and since its beginnings 35 years ago, celebrates the world of beer culture and enriches the lives of beer lovers through education and events. Holl explained that All About Beer also promotes the enjoyment and experience of new innovations and varieties such as “barrel-aged” or “fruit-added” flavors, or seasonal beers with limited availability.
Holl commented, “The festival will also be a chance to meet the people making the beer,” and he added, “It’s a rare opportunity to try different beers.” Information about local craft breweries participating at the event will be announced later.
Linn Redder, vice president of Marketing for Tioga Downs, shared that education seminars and exhibits and live entertainment are planned at the trackside event. Pre-purchased tickets are $25, or $30 the day of the event. VIP tickets are $50, which includes one extra hour prior to general admission, as well as complimentary food and a bonus selection of rare and unique beers.
The first inaugural Southern Tier Beer Festival at Tioga Downs is scheduled Saturday, Aug. 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. For information, visit tiogadowns.com or find them on Facebook or Twitter. Information about the event is also available at allaboutbeer.com. Tickets for the event are available at the Tioga Downs gift shop or at all Ticketmaster locations.
