Tidbites | Week of May 7, 2015

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NEW BREW FEST

Get ready to try some new beers. A lot of them. Niwot will be home to the second annual New Brew Fest – Boulder County on Saturday, May 9.

With 30 Boulder County-area breweries and cider-makers participating in the event, attendees will taste the newest and most exciting flavors the area has to offer. Seven of the participating breweries weren’t open a year ago, and eight of them are new to the event, which is run by the Colorado Beer Trail.

Unlike other beer festivals, part of the impetus of this event is for consumers to meet with new brewers, talk with them and form a connection within the community.

“With a relatively low ratio of customers to breweries at this event, craft beer drinkers can learn more about these products and the breweries direct from the brewers and owners themselves. Where beer festivals seem to be growing to large proportions, with some now over 20,000 participants, New Brew Fest limits sales to only 1,000 participants at any one time for this four-hour tasting event,” the Beer Trail promotes in a press release.

Participating local breweries include 12 Degree Brewing, 300 Suns Brewing, Finkel & Garf Brewing, FATE Brewing Company, Liquid Mechanics Brewing Co., Wild Woods Brewery and more.

The event starts at 1 p.m. at Niwot’s Whistlestop Park, but V.I.P. ticket holders can gain entry at noon. Regular tickets are $40, and V.I.P. tickets are $85. Proceeds benefit the Niwot Cultural Arts Association. Visit www.newbrewfest.com for more information or tickets.

MARKET RETURNS TO WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

The Boulder County Farmers’ Markets returned to Wednesday nights this week and will continue popping up every hump day throughout the summer.

The Wednesday night market is open from 4-8 p.m. and features many of the same produce, food and brews that the weekend edition has. More and more produce is becoming available each week, and farmers are currently bringing to market radishes, spinach, spicy greens, cheeses, specialty meats, arugula, mizuna, green garlic, spring onions, mushrooms, fresh bread and baked goods.

BARBECUE LESSONS

Just in time for grilling season comes a lesson from a pit master on the subtleties, techniques and joys of barbecuing. From 6-8 p.m. on May 12, Lew Miller, a Kansas City Barbeque Society certified judge and Erie resident, will teach attendees about grilling and smoking meats.

Miller will talk about selecting the proper equipment for barbecuing, the best spices and woods, finding the best meats and how to use and cultivate recipes. Registration for the event is required, so to do so, visit www.mylibrary.us.

A HEALTHIER FESTIVAL

VegFest is coming to Golden on June 20 and 21 and will feature numerous vendors, speakers and exhibits pertaining to healthy eating, environmentalism and supporting a vegan lifestyle.

Renowned speakers will talk about “health, diet, compassion and environmental issues,” while expert chefs demonstrate how to prepare plant-based, vegan dishes. Food samplings from restaurants and chefs will be around in addition to games for adults and kids alike.

Tickets are $7, and admission is free for anyone up to 16 years old. Visit www.vegfestcolorado.org for tickets and more information.