This festival is one of the Philadelphia region’s favorite beer-centric events and draws between 2,000 and 5,000 fans each year. Last year, Sly Fox went through over 70 kegs during the day and it is believed to be the largest offering of bock-style beers by any brewery in the United States at one time.
This year’s buzz-worthy lineup is set to include the following: the traditional malty bock, the Slacker Bock; the golden Helles Bock; the dark, malty and full-bodied GABF medal winner, Instigator Bock and the to-be-determined Maibock, a traditional spring beer which will be named after the winning goat. Other German-styled beers, like Weisse, pilsner, Helles and dunkel lager will also be on tap, as well.
Looking for a way to speed up the lines to get your beer faster? Sly Fox encourages beer lovers to do as many cash transactions as possible and will be selling quantities of $5 tickets good for beer, gear and food at two stations. One station includes the Kimberton Fair Grounds, where visitors are asked to park and hop on one of two shuttles which will be running back and forth throughout the day.
“In Germany, where bock beer is produced and enjoyed, lots of times the beer halls are very family friendly. I think America is becoming more and more like that,” said Sly Fox’s Brewmaster Brian O’Reilly. “The goat races seemed like a fun thing to do and good excuse for people to have a beer in the middle of the day on a Sunday. Plus, while mom and dad are having a beer, the kids can be be entertained.”
He encourages everyone to break away from their typical Sunday routines and chores for a relaxing day filled with friends, family, fun and a fresh brew or two. You may be thinking to yourself, the combination of goats and beers sound awesome, but isn’t sort of random? Well, bock is a nickname for a billy goat and this stronger-than-average lager beer originates in Bavaria.
Speaking of German traditions, there be plenty going on at the Bock Fest. Schuhplattler dancers donned in lederhosen and dirndls will be pleasing the crowd with knee-slapping dance moves. Bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels and other traditional German dishes will be available for the day (the brewery will be open as usual).
Looking for some memorabilia to capture a day of fun, unique experiences and delicious beer? T-shirts, goat dolls and signature beer steins will be available for purchase. Sly Fox is adding some sustainable flair to the festival, including only serving beers in biodegradable cups, selling reusable commemorative steins and reusable water bottles, and encouraging festival-goers to BYOB (bring your own water bottle).
The Sly Fox Bock Fest and Goat Race is a great family-friendly way to sample some delicious brews, get a taste of Bavaria, and enjoy the great outdoors. So bring the kids (hoofed and non-hoofed) for some fun on Sunday, May 1st!
Find more information, visit slyfoxbeer.com.
