4-Corners BrewFest - just around the corner

2013 BrewFest

By Lisa Surowiec and friends

The 3rd Annual 4-Corners BrewFest is just around the corner on August 10 from 3-7 pm on the patio and field behind behind the Innis Arden Community House at 1430 NW 188th St in Shoreline.

We sat down with Richmond Beach's Steve Kerr, the brains behind BrewFest, for a little Q /A.

Where is 4-Corners?  

The 'famous' Four Corners Monument marks the quadripoint in the Southwestern United States where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet. As it is entirely implausible we would be promoting an event thousands of miles away, our own '4-Corners' was coined in 2010 and is located at the corner of Richmond Beach Road and NW 8th in Shoreline, WA.

What’s so special about your ‘4-Corners’?

Our version represents the quadripoint of the Innis Arden, Richmond Beach, Richmond Highlands, and Hillwood neighborhoods and serves as the inspiration for 4-Corners.Org. 4-Corners.Org is a 501(c)(3) charity created by volunteers from each of those neighborhoods to collaborate and cooperate on various civic endeavors. These four neighborhood associations serve Shoreline residents from approximately 165 county line and everything west of Aurora Avenue N.

How long have you been doing 4-Corners BrewFest?

"3rd Annual" generally refers to the 3rd year of something. This is no exception.

Is it true that all proceeds from 4-Corners BrewFest get donated back to the community?

Yes. All net proceeds are divided equally among four Shoreline neighborhood associations  (Hillwood Community Network, Richmond Highlands Neighborhood Associations, Richmond Beach Community Association, Innis Arden Activities Committee) and a featured charity. For 2013, our featured charity is The WORKS, a member of the Shoreline Back-to-School consortium that provides clothes, school supplies and toiletries to underprivileged youth.

Hey, I’ve heard of them.  They do great work, don’t they?

We think so.

So who makes up 4-Corners.Org?

All persons involved with 4-Corners.Org are volunteers from each of the four neighborhoods.

Will there be any celebrities in attendance at 4-Corners BrewFest?

Depends on your definition of celebrity. If your standards are low enough, there just might be someone who looks vaguely like someone who knows someone who might be famous.

What brewers will be there?

In 2013 the lineup is outstanding and includes North Sound Brewing (Mt. Vernon), Lazy Boy Brewing (Everett), Diamond Knot Craft Brewing (Mukilteo), Big E Ales (Lynnwood), American Brewing (Edmonds), Gallagher's Where-U-Brew (Edmonds), 192 Brewing (Kenmore), Brickyard Brewing (Woodinville), Tripelhorn Brewing (Woodinville), Naked City Brewery (Seattle), Odin Brewing (Seattle), NW Peaks Brewing (Seattle), Fremont Brewing (Seattle), Reuben's Brews (Seattle), Emerald City Beer Company (Seattle), Elysian Brewing (Seattle), Bellevue Brewing Company (Bellevue), Silver City Brewing (Silverdale), 7 Seas Brewing (Gig Harbor) and Oskar Blues Brewing (Longmont, CO).

What about Oregon beers?

Nope. We're all about local craft beer. But Colorado’s Oskar Blues wanted in too and we didn’t think anyone would raise a ruckus.

Wait a minute. Isn't Richmond Highlands that exclusive neighborhood next to the Seattle Golf Club filled with zillionaires and captains of industry?

I think you're confusing Richmond Highlands with 'The Highlands'. Richmond Highlands is the quiet neighborhood from approximately 165th to 185th and Aurora Avenue to NW 8th. It includes Shorewood High School, St. Luke's, the Ronald Wastewater District offices, and many, many wonderful people.

But I don't like beer.

Technically that's not a question. Perhaps you've only drank bad beer in the past. I can personally guarantee that each of these brewers puts out some tasty beer, whatever your palate.

How do I go about getting tickets?

Tickets are available online (credit card) or in person at Beach House Greetings (626 Richmond Beach Road), Special Brews (14608 Hwy 99 in Lynnwood), The Beer Authority (2716 Lake City Way NE in Lake City), or Chuck’s Hop Shop (656 NW 85th St in Greenwood) for $30 (cash or check only).  If there are any unsold tickets on the day of the event, they will be available at the door for $40.

Wait, how much are tickets again?

$30 in advance, $40 at the door (if available).

So you're saying there's a limited number of tickets and there’s no guarantee they’ll be available at the door?

That's exactly what I'm saying.

Does that mean I should jump on it now?

Probably a wise idea.

Is my ticket tax deductible?

Nice try. However, if you want to make an additional donation to either 4-Corners.Org or The WORKS, such donations would be tax deductible.

When is it?

Saturday, August 10

Wow, that’s coming up, isn’t it?

Yes it is.

Can I bring my kids?

Sorry, 21 and over only.

What about my dog?

Let me rephrase that … humans 21 and over only.

Can I help?

Sure. We are using Volunteer Spot to organize volunteers. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot, Volunteers are rewarded with gratitude and a free ticket.

Sounds like great exposure. Can my business get in on this?

We welcome local businesses to get involved, but we need to know as soon as possible to get your name in the program. We'd love to have more door prizes (business swag or gift cards), finger food from local restaurants, or financial help. Contributions would be tax deductible.

If we do that, what kind of exposure can we expect?

You can put up a banner at the event and put information out on a sponsor table. We will thank you on as much social media as we can, in wrap up articles (citywide and neighborhood newsletters), in the program, and on the website.

Is 4-Corners BrewFest held at the actual 4-Corners intersection of Richmond Beach Road and NW 8th?

No. We figured the nice patio and grassy field behind the Innis Arden Clubhouse was more comfortable than an asphalt parking lot. But with parking at a premium, we certainly encourage you to park at the 4-Corners intersection and make the pleasant stroll down the hill to the event.

I think walking is overrated.  Will there be a shuttle van?

Yes. Our friends at Puget Sound Brewery Tours will be offering shuttle service to and from the offsite parking at the actual 4-Corners intersection.

What does my $30 ticket get me?

For openers, your ticket gets you ten 5 oz tastes from some of the area's best local craft brewers.  You'll also get a souvenir chalice (o.k., it's a mini plastic pilsner glass), a fancy-schmancy bracelet (a tyvek wristband), free brats from the grill, snacks, popcorn, pretzel necklaces, and good ol' bluegrass music. Most importantly, you get the warm fuzzies that go with supporting great organizations like The WORKS.

O.K., that seems reasonable.

We think so too.

I don’t drink alcohol.  Are there designated driver tickets?

Yes. A limited number of designated driver tickets are available online for $15. It includes food and soft drinks, including draft rootbeer brewed by some of the breweries that are attending.

Will there be any cideries or wineries represented? Not this year. We tried to line some up but were unsuccessful. However, we hope to add them to the mix in future events.

I don't think I can drink all ten.

Once again, not really a question. That being said, we certainly want everyone to be responsible so don't try to out kick your coverage. If you're worried it’s too much beer for you, tell your pourer to go easy and enjoy just a sip or two.

If there's 20 brewers and 40+ different beers but only 10 drink tokens, can I buy additional tokens?

Unfortunately we do not offer additional tokens for sale at the event. I suggest you bring some friends and share amongst yourselves. Just make sure you get the first sip so you don't get any of the backwash.

Now that's just gross.

No comment.

Stillwater Hill

Will there be any music?

Darn tootin' there will be. The bluegrass band Stillwater Hill will be picking and jamming throughout the event.

Golden Growler

What is the 'Golden Growler'?

Only the most prestigious glass jug that's ever been super-glued to a scrap piece of 2x6, spray painted gold, and affixed with a karate trophy bought at a garage sale. The 'Golden Growler' is awarded to the crowd favorite as voted on by those who remember to turn in their ballots. Last year Gallagher’s Where-U-Brew took the top honors with their Maui Wowie Mango IPA. For the past 12 months, they’ve had the honor of displaying the 'Golden Growler' in their tap room with their name etched on the award with a black Sharpie pen for posterity. The year before, Big E Ales took the big prize with their Orange Creamsicle.

So who is going to walk away with the 'Golden Growler' this year?

That depends on you. I guess you'll just have to buy a ticket and find out.