A new event will be held in West Bend to celebrate the end of winter. It involves beer.
It may be hard to imagine, but in six months, it will be March, many will be tired of the winter weather, and we'll be counting down the days until it's warm again.
What's a good way to celebrate? According to officials in West Bend, the answer is beer, or more specifically, bock beer.
To that end, the city will hold its first-ever Bockfest, a German festival, Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Regner Park, 800 N. Main St., West Bend.
In addition to bock beer, Bockfest attendees will enjoy live music, outdoor games, German food, fire pits and costume contests. When purchasing a beer, customers can have fire tenders put a "piping hot beer poker" into their beer mugs to create a "flavorful, caramelized froth and memorable experience," according to a city of West Bend news release.
“Bockfest will welcome residents and visitors to Regner Park and our local businesses during a time of year that is historically slower in visitation," City Administrator Jay Shambeau said in the release.
What is bock beer?
Bock is a German beer that was first brewed in the 14th century in the town of Einbeck, Germany. Most styles of bock beer are the color of amber, but some are black or red depending on where the beer was brewed.
Where will be beer for Bockfest be brewed?
Beer for this festival will be specially slow-brewed by 1840 Brewing Company, which has a location in Bayview and will be opening another taproom in downtown West Bend this fall.
Will there be other beverage options at Bockfest?
If you don't want bock beer, there will be other kinds of beer sold, as well as non-alcoholic beverages.
How is Bockfest being funded?
West Bend received a Wisconsin Department of Tourism Joint Effort Marketing grant for $15,000 for a new event grant. The funding will cover startup costs, the music lineup and the event promotions.
What kind of food will be served?
At Bockfest, food offerings planned include pretzels, brats, sausages and traditional German food.
How much will it cost to get in?
Admission is open to adults ages 21 and older. Tickets are available online for $15 at www.bockfestwb.com.
When attendees check in at the park gate, each person will get a 24-ounce beer stein and $5 worth of "Bock bucks" to be spent over the weekend at participating businesses.
Designated drivers will get a special wristband to get free non-alcoholic beverages.
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kozlowicz_cathy.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New German-themed West Bend festival, Bockfest, will feature bock beer
