Libations and fun abound at Carsonia Wine and Beer Amusement

Oct. 14—On a damp and dreary Saturday afternoon, Erin Davis and Tony Weller were all smiles.

The pair stood at a high-top table beneath a white tent set up in the parking lot outside of the Carsonia Park recreation center in Lower Alsace Township enjoying some chicken sandwiches. They were coating their stomachs in preparation for what was coming next, for the real reason they were there.

And that was to have a few drinks.

Davis and Weller were a couple of the roughly 400 guests to roll into the 8th annual Carsonia Craft Beer and Wine Amusement. The event featured 41 breweries, wineries, distilleries and restaurants offering samples of beers, wines, whiskeys and food.

It also featured live music by Good Lovin' Jam Band.

It all added up to a perfect day for Weller and Davis, despite the chilly, persistent drizzle.

"I don't like it, I love it," Davis said, explaining that this year is the third time she's been to the event.

Weller was making his fifth visit to the event. He said he loves that it's a small, community event.

"It's a super local, it's a good time," the Exeter Township said. "We see a lot of people we know."

Weller said that when he comes to the wine and beer festival he likes to try a lot of different beers, exploring new breweries and new brews in hopes of discovering something delicious. Davis said she had her sites set on other options.

"I like to try all the wineries, and the the distilleries," she said with a laugh.

Hearing that would likely put a smile on Rob Miller's face. He's the chairman of the festival, and he said the whole idea behind the event is for the local community to come together, have a good time and explore local breweries and wines.

"I want people to have fun, first," he said. "And maybe learn a little more about the craft wines and beers and restaurants."

Of course, there's another side to the event, too. It serves as a major fundraiser for Antietam Valley Community Partnership.

Miller said that last year the event raised $11,000 for the organization, where he serves on the board. That money helps the group in its mission to improve the quality of life in the Antietam Valley through holding events like the annual Christmas tree lighting and trunk-or-treat or funding things like scholarships for local students and renovations at Carsonia Park.

Over the past several months, Miller said, the organization has found itself with in even more pressing role. It has been working to assist local residents impacted by flooding following July storm.

"There are a lot of people who need support right now," he said.

Moments before the doors officially opened Saturday, Miller said that he was happy to have a hand in holding an event that would bring the community together. Especially given the challenges the area has recently faced.

"It's a little crazier than Christmas morning," he said. "We're just excited and ready to have fun."

Simeon Miravich, of The New Bertie's Inn in Exeter Township, said he was likewise thrilled to be part of the event.

"It's good to be involved in the local community," he said. It's important in the restaurant business."

The Bertie's stand was giving out samples of a pair of beers from Troegs in Hershey, and was primed to be a hit with local sports fans. They were selling Bertie's shirts, including a Philadelphia Phillies version and one featuring the Philadelphia Eagle's logo.

Miravich, a big Philly sports fan whose family has had season tickets to the Eagles since he was about six years old, said he figured the shirts would be hot commodities.

Rich Krouse didn't seem in need of a shirt, he was already wearing won quite appropriate for the occasion. It featured a full mug of beer and the thought-provoking question "I wonder if beer thinks about me too?"

He made the trip up from Pottstown on Saturday for the event, saying he was spending the night at his in-laws house nearby. He had been to the event once before about five years ago, and said he glad to be able to return.

"They have a good variety," he said. "And I like to try new things."

Krouse said he typically enjoys IPAs, but given the gloomy fall weather he thought he might try a few darker drinks like a porter or stout. No matter what direction he ended up heading, he's be drinking out of one of the special pint glasses each visitor to the festival received.

"It's great," he said. "I still use the one from last time I was here as my beer glass at home."