An estimated 460 people gathered on Saturday 13th April to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Greencastle Antrim’s Craft Beer, Wine and Spirits Festival.
The festival marks this milestone by returning to its original downtown location, with local vendors and suppliers from around the state set up in the parking lot at 104 B Street and DSS Law.
Festival attendees enjoyed the sunshine and camaraderie and sipped samples from small commemorative tasting glasses. Many of them wore necklaces made of pretzels as a snack between drinks.
How did the festival evolve?
With the music of Stuff Infection in the background, Vernon McCauley recalled how the festival began in the parking lot of what was then the John Allison Public House on East Baltimore Street.
More than a decade ago, Mr. McCauley was one of the organizers of a pub run from Flannery’s Tavern in Mercersburg to the John Allison Public House in Greencastle. The half marathon benefited two community sports fundraising organizations, Fix JB Sports and GA MAAX.
The first run in 2013 ended with an alcohol-free festival that included sidewalk sales in Greencastle. The wind was strong and many items were blown onto the street.
“John said we needed a craft beer festival next year,” McCauley recalled, referring to John Flannery, then owner of two restaurants and now a Franklin County Commissioner.
IN THE COMMUNITY: Antrim Township awarded $40,000 in recreation grant.
See more photos: Check out Greencastle Antrim’s craft beer, wine and spirits festival.
“I didn’t think anyone would fly, but he’s a very persuasive guy,” said McCauley, who attended all the events.
The original festival focused on craft beer, but wine was added in 2016 when it moved to the Antrim Way Honda car park. With the addition of Spirits in 2022, the festival returns after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Brewery staff issues from 2020 will remain in 2021.
“We have a lot to offer,” McCauley said as he stood with friends. “This is the best small town in America.”
Debbie Cunningham, executive director of Greencastle and Antrim Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the festival, agreed this was a great opportunity to showcase the community.
“People seem to be having a good time and that’s what it’s about,” she said. “We hope they come to Greencastle, see what we have to offer and come back.”
