2015 Winter Beerfest: A successful brew!

The organizers of the Winter Beerfest presented by Lachapelle Fiat are delighted with this year’s record-breaking attendance. On January 30 and 31, beer lovers from around the region defied the frigid temperatures and flocked to this year’s celebration of fine beer and food. By the time the suds had settled, more than 12,000 people had visited the Canadian Museum of History to participate in the event, a semi-annual tradition that’s all about enjoyment! Beerfest general manager Michael O’Farrell pointed to a few innovations that helped boost attendance this year. Besides a new self-serve area, live musical entertainment set a warm and festive mood. “We welcomed a lot more people from the Ontario side this year,” he noted. “I think the fact that Beau’s brewery was one of our exhibitors had a lot to do with that—it created quite a buzz.” “Despite the cold, festivalgoers really enjoyed the outdoor activities, so much so that we’re planning to expand our outdoor programming next year,” said Mario D’Eer, chair of the Winter Beerfest steering committee. “We also featured more exhibitors and a wider selection of beer. In all, people could sample nearly 100 products from 25 different breweries. People are becoming more knowledgeable about beer, and their palates are becoming more discerning. Speaking as an educator, I’d say that’s the best part about our event’s success!” “We are happy to have welcomed so many people to the Museum of History for Festibière. The Museum is very proud to collaborate with Festibière, and to be such a vibrant part of the community”, said Jean-Marc Blais, Director General of the Canadian Museum of History. “We look forward to next year’s edition”. The lectures and workshops also proved very popular, and every session was packed, prompting the Beerfest to plan to expand this part of its programming in 2016. For the second consecutive year, Beerfest organizers crowned a king and queen. Fred Besson and Tanya Duguay reigned happy and glorious over the Beerfest kingdom, and will enjoy free lifetime admission to future Beerfests. The Winter Beerfest is made possible thanks to the generous support of its valued partners, including Lachapelle Fiat, the Canadian Museum of History, Distinction by Sodexo, Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company, Winterlude, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel and Conference Centre Gatineau-Ottawa, the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO), Le Marché, Bell Media, Le Pêle-Mêle, TC Media, Jack’s Tonique, Six Pintes, and the IGA Extra des Grives. The Winter Beerfest complements the Gatineau Beerfest, a family-friendly event held in early summer. The fifth annual edition will take place May 29-30, 2015, in Jacques-Cartier Park.