’11 Willamette Valley Blues and Brews Festival

Tomorrow afternoon, the 3rd Annual Willamette Valley Blues and Brews Festival gets underway at Springfield’s Island Park. 100% of the proceeds from this two day music and beer festival go to the Springfield/Eugene Habitat for Humanity. The entertainment line-up, which includes headliner Linda Hornbuckle, is available on the festival’s website, as is a printable coupon for a free LTD bus pass to and from the event. The beer list is still absent at this point, but the website promises over 40 northwest craft brews, almost double the 23 featured last year.

And like last year, I am once again issuing my plea to festival organizers to do a better job promoting the “Brews” portion of their event. The near 100% increase in brewery participation is an clear indication that a lot of work is being done behind the scenes. But some of that effort needs to be forward facing. For instance, the festival website not only lacks a beer list, but also lacks any information on how the beer tasting works. Is the mug included in the ticket price or purchased separately? How much are tickets? Are all beers one ticket, or do they vary? A few minutes of work on the Festival Information page would have answered all these questions and probably led to a few more attendees.

Rant aside, it is encouraging to see the huge increase in beer over last year. And Windermere Real Estate, the event’s title sponsor, has already signed on for 2012, so this festival may become a permanent summer fixture.

Cheers!
Kevin