Expo brings local brews to Talleyrand Park

BELLEFONTE There’s something about a cold drink on a hot summer’s day that people really seem to appreciate.

Case in point, it was a seller’s market Sunday afternoon at Talleyrand Park, where the inaugural Summer Craft Beverage Expo peddled beers, wines and ciders from vendors throughout the region.

Standing in line is not exactly a rigorous activity, but under the right circumstances it can produce considerable quantities of perspiration. Sunday’s hot afternoon sun certainly fit the bill, providing visitors with sufficient cause to rehydrate after passing between the tents that comprised the event’s rectangular perimeter.

Happy Valley Brewing Co., Good Intent Cider and Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery were just a few of the names happy to help.

“It’s been busy since the beginning,” said Jenna Lewis, who wound her way through the crowd with the support of friends Lauren Granese and Sherry Rice.

They arrived at Talleyrand Park promptly at 3 p.m. and planned to move clockwise through the tasting menu while waiting out a couple of wine slushies and a meal for good measure.

Variety was the draw here, a chance for wine drinkers to dabble in beer and vice versa. The Central PA Tasting Trail held a similar event in the Boalsburg Fire Hall last fall, but President Lucy Rogers said that they wanted to take advantage of the space afforded by the great outdoors.

Talleyrand Park provided the perfect alternative for the expo.

“It’s really nice to do one in your own backyard,” Rogers said.

The extra standing room didn’t go to waste. More than 600 tickets for the event were purchased in advance.

More than a few of those people seemed to wind up in the line for Seven Mountains Wine Cellars. Owner Mary Ann Bubb had plenty of the good stuff flowing, although she was confident that a dry red wouldn’t be in high demand on a hot afternoon.

Fortunately between the beer and ciders, there were plenty of options.

“This is a unique trail because it includes something for everyone,” Bubb said.

This story was originally published June 18, 2017 at 11:02 PM with the headline "Expo brings local brews to Talleyrand Park."