This story originally appeared in the Centre County Gazette.
After visiting the classic cars at the Bellefonte Cruise, head down to Talleyrand Park for the Summer Craft Beverage Expo, put on by the Central PA Tasting Trail.
From 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, members from the Central PA Tasting Trail will gather to share their craft beverages. While this is not the first Summer Craft Beverage Expo — in fact, it is the seventh annual event — it is the first time that the date falls on the same day as the Historic Bellefonte Cruise.
“Traditionally, the Central PA Tasting Trail has held this event on the Sunday following the Bellefonte Cruise, which always landed us on Father’s Day. Through the years, we have received a significant amount of feedback that indicated that a different day may be best,” explained Celesta Powell, managing director for the Central PA Tasting Trail. “Our membership voted, and we decided on Saturday. … We realized that our date coincided with the Bellefonte Cruise, and we immediately began conversation with Pat McCool (chairman of the Bellefonte Cruise). Once that connection began, it’s been nonstop since.”
The Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail is a network of beer, wine, distilled spirits and cider craft brewers, but Powell noted that members of the trail also brew kombucha, soda and seltzers.
“We do it all and we love to showcase that,” Powell said.
The Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail is a self-guided tour for those living in or visiting Centre County to discover the unique craft vendors in the area. Brewers featured on the trail also attend a variety of events throughout the year, like Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest, Sips and Sounds and the Mini Craft Beverage Garden during the annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.
“Our membership created this event with two missions in mind — creating a great day to showcase each unique member of the trail and to show the community a safe and fun day for everyone,” Powell shared.
Though this year’s Summer Craft Beverage Expo is separate from the Historic Bellefonte Cruise, it makes for a convenient itinerary addition to those planning on attending the Cruise. The Cruise will have a third stage with live music in Talleyrand; however, the expo will take place in a separate portion of the park so that IDs can be checked at the entrance.
This year there will be local food and craft vendors and games in addition to the beverage vendors. The event is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate, though discounted tickets for designated drivers are available. The entry fee supports the Central PA Tasting Trail, and this year will provide a donation to a local community group. Those attending can sample beverages from different vendors, purchase by the glass or bottle and talk with business owners about their products.
“I do many events and work with many groups in our community. The Central PA Tasting Trail Summer Craft Beverage Expo holds a special place in my summer. There is this great moment, watching people come out, wander around for one of the first times in the season and just appreciate each other,” Powell said. “For the Tasting Trail members, it’s such an honor to put all these amazing local businesses together and help them show off their hard work.”
