Liverpool Township's Barnyard Beer Bash to benefit charity

LIVERPOOL TWP. — Those attending this year's Barnyard Beer Bash will have the chance to sample local beers while at a hop farm to benefit charity. The Barnyard Beer Bash is an event put on by Cleveland Beer Week. Kim Bihler said Cleveland Beer Week started in 2009 to celebrate craft beer during a time when there were only a few craft breweries in Cleveland. Cleveland Beer Week events used to only happen during one week in October, she said. Now, the organization holds a variety of beer-related events, such as the Barnyard Beer Bash, during the year. "We've spread it around to allow more people to participate throughout the year," Bihler said. This year's Barnyard Beer Bash will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Frog Valley Farm at 5484 Center Road in Liverpool Township. She said the hops at the farm have not been harvested yet. "Butcher and the Brewer, which is one of our downtown breweries, actually use those hops in some of their beers," Bihler said. "It's a very local turnaround." A tasting glass, 20 3-ounce beer samples and a River Roots Barrel Co. bourbon sample are included with a ticket from the event. Beers from Medina County breweries like Hoppy Dude Brews and the Medina Brewing Co. are among some of the local beers available to sample. "It's a way to support these local brewers and show them some love," Bihler said. "They want you to try their beer, and they want to talk to you." There will also be a food truck, cornhole, hayrides to specialty beer stations, games, raffles, a bonfire and live performances. Bihler said the Barnyard Beer Bash is a way to have fun while supporting charity. For instance, Cleveland Beer Week is now involved with Ales for ALS, in which breweries make a beer with a special hop, and the proceeds from those beers go toward research of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Event proceeds will also benefit the Malone Scholarship Fund, the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter and Rec2Connect, which promotes recreation therapy for people who have and do not have disabilities. Advance tickets are required for the Barnyard Beer Bash. To purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/22e2s4bm. "We just know it's going to be a great evening," Bihler said. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.