Festival to launch NY beer trail
The New York State Brewers Association (NYSBA) and Heartland Brewery announced they will officially launch the state beer trail Sept. 8 with their “I Love NY Beer Festival” at the South Street Seaport.
From the press release:
The festival will include beer sampling from state breweries, live music, and food and wine sampling through a partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture’s “I Love NY Farmers Marketplace Program.”
Signed into legislation by Gov. Pataki, the Empire State Brewery Trails Program will promote tourism among beer lovers, boost state brewery businesses and honor the state’s rich brewing heritage, which dates back to the 1630’s. Currently there are 57 breweries in the state. The brewing industry contributes nearly $10 billion a year to the state’s economy.
Officially called “I Love NY Beer”, the program will include a 36 page brewery trail, interstate signage, vacation itineraries and a brewery passport program. It is based on the New York Wine Trail, which links together and promotes wineries in New York’s four major wine-producing regions.
David Katleski founded the NYSBA in April, 2005. Under Katleski’s direction, the NYSBA has pursued a vigorous legislative program in Albany, sponsoring legislation to establish the New York State Beer Trail program as part of the “I Love NY” tourism drive, and to legalize off-premise beer samplings in the state and to exempt breweries smaller than 1,500 barrels yearly from brand label registration fees.
“What better place than New York City to kick-off this monumental occasion and the proceeds for the festival will go to the NYSBA to help promote New York State Beers” said Katleski.
In a perfect world you’d be able to just go from one state trail to the next.
