WV BeerFest: Country Roads Trust and a cold one, also

Apr. 16—Take me foam, country roads.

When you belly up to the inaugural WV BeerFest on Saturday at Mylan Park, you won't just be celebrating all the craft brews and legendary lagers that comprise everyone's favorite beverage.

You'll also be helping the Country Roads Trust.

That's the organization that's there for WVU's student-athletes, as they navigate Name, Image and Likeness avenues in the new neighborhood of college sports.

The beer fest is on tap from 1-7 p.m. that day in the Hazel and J.W. Ruby Community Center, in the expanse of the park on Chaplin Road.

In the meantime, "neighborhood, " is a good word to describe those proceedings, Jamie Summerlin said.

As in, a good neighborhood bar, said Summerlin, whose Guidon Creative firm is hosting the event.

"We're all gonna get together and drink a beer, " he said.

But, he said, with a responsibility caveat.

The WV BeerFest, he said, is a sampling event — not a full-on drinking one.

Which is why he's encouraging people to not overindulge, while lining up an Uber, Lyft, taxi or designated driver.

And that's because of the width and breadth of the suds for the sampling, he said.

Right now, more than 40 breweries from Maine to Georgia are represented, including crafters of the hops from the Mountain State, he said, since "West Virginia " is in the name of the event.

That translates to more than 100 beers, ciders, hard seltzers, hard kombuchas and meads, Summerlin said.

The array, he reports, will also feature all the time-honored watering hole favorites, such as Budweiser, Miller Lite and Yuengling, he added — for those who might not necessarily be fans of the craft kind.

"We'll even have non-alcoholic beer, " he said. "Something for everyone."

Including food and music.

Mason Jar BBQ and Catering is the main food vendor for the day. Grace Campbell, Zona Hester and The New Relics top the music bill.

Visit wvbeerfest.com for all the day's details.

The Coal Bucket Saloon is even being revamped for Saturday's gathering, in preparation for its centerstage slot July 4 when the MountainFest Motorcycle Rally makes its return to Mylan Park.

"It's about West Virginia, " Summerlin said. "It's a celebration and centerpiece for the place we love."

So are those aforementioned student-athletes who represent WVU, and the state of West Virginia, on the field and off the field.

Around 4:30 or so Saturday, Summerlin wants everyone to lift their glasses in a toast to the Country Roads Trust — and, in turn, to athletic emissaries who directly benefit.

The WV BeerFest will then make a contribution to the fund.

"Our teams make us shine, " he said.