When the founders of Ohio Brew Week began planning the initial week-long event, their goal was simple.
We were trying to come up with ideas for how we could help businesses survive the summer months when students aren't around
said Melody Sands. If the first half of this year's Brew Week is any indication, the founders are coming ever closer to reaching their goal.
Started in 2006, Brew Week showcases the best brews from around the state of Ohio in an attempt to both entertain and educate on the intricacies of beer.
It's a place where you can learn to enjoy good beer Sands said. You learn about it sample it
drink it and taste it instead of just guzzling it.
As of Tuesday, the turnout had exceeded what Sands and founder Dan Gates had expected, with three bars reporting that they had sold out of kegs.
We have seen a number of people from different demographics come out early in the week to beat the rush
and they have been pretty consistent so far
Gates said.
Gates and Sands, along with other Brew Week officials, began planning this year's event, pretty much right after last year's event ended Sands said, and started finalizing plans in January.
We have been putting in some really long days trying to make this year the best yet
Sands said.
This year's event includes 29 Ohio breweries and one out-of-state guest brewery, as well as numerous events and speakers. Gates said that the biggest difference between the first event and this year is that breweries are more interested in participating.
At first they said
'Why send beer to Athens outside of our market?'
but now they see that people come from all over specifically for this event
he said. Gates said that Athens provides the perfect atmosphere for the event because of the way the city is set up.
The layout of the city makes it easy to walk from place to place
and people are more inclined to enjoy themselves when they know that they don't have to drive
