Miscellaneous Events

From ASH

DRAFT Magazine Big Pour Nov 22, 2008

DRAFT’s first annual Big Pour took place over the weekend. Thousands packed Hohokam Stadium and enjoyed 100 different beers from brewers around the country. The theme of the event: so much beer, so little time. We couldn’t ask for a better event. Thanks to all the DRAFT fans who came out. Big Pour 2008 Event Pics

SanTan Oktoberfest Sept 27, 2008

With large increases in the prices of grain and hops, 2007 would have seemed like a bad year to open a brewery. But San Tan Brewery in downtown Chandler opened just the same. Six new ales, seasonal beers and a hearty restaurant menu later, the business is ready to celebrate its success on Saturday with an oktoberfest.

"Business is good and steady, we're very popular with people that like draft beer," owner Anthony Canecchia said. Canecchia was the brewmaster for seven years at Four Peaks Brewery in Tempe. "I decided to strike out on my own," he said. "I'm happy to be one of the new non-corporate brewpubs in the Valley."

Its strategic location close to other restaurants and wine bars has helped.

"We're a big part of the revitalization (of downtown Chandler)," Canecchia said. "It has changed the last 10 years. We're becoming hip, a popular place for bar hopping."

Last year, Canecchia, who is of Irish-Italian origin, began a St. Patrick's Day event that attracted about 3,000 revelers. He hopes to attract even more to the oktoberfest.

The beer garden will be located in the brewery parking lot with additional roped off areas. It will offer beers from 10 other Arizona brewers apart from the German wheat beer, Irish stout, American pale ale and Czech pilsners from San Tan Brewery. Local groups Guys That Rock and Capital Down and a traditional polka band will play, and a deejay will attend. Such German food as schnitzel, bratwurst, frankfurters and potato pancakes will be available. The brewery will also search for a Brew Maid, who will represent the organization at events. Ten eligible contestants will wear a traditional German costume similar to the servers in the beer halls in Munich, Germany, and the public will vote for the winner using text messaging.

"It depends on how many beer steins they can carry, and how quickly they can move and serve," Canecchia said.

Various pictures of the ASH table and festivities : SanTan Oktoberfest 2008