But this time, they have turned it into a fundraiser for Berkshire County Kids' Place. The store's first contest last year drew some 300 people to sample from 34 beers. This year, they hope to double that to help raise money for the organization working to help child abuse victims.

 

"We were looking for a charity that we could get behind," Jason Dennis, one of the store's managers, said on Tuesday.

 

The festival will be on Sunday, May 19, and Dennis expects more than 50 home brewers to enter. The brewers are asked to bring enough to share with the general public as well as professional tasters. Wacky beer names encouraged.

 

"Last year, people didn't realize the festival was open to the public," Dennis said. 

 

The cost is $10 for the tasting and Samuel Adams brewer Boston Beer Co. is raffling home brew kits, bar kits and autographed items with the proceeds going to Kids Place. Home brewers have until next week to enter the competition to vie for prizes for the best in four categories: ale, lager/fruit/bock, India Pale Ale and stout/porter.

 

"These guys are making beers as good as the ones in our cooler doors," said Andrew Kelly, who is in charge of the store's beer selection. 

 

The store has already found more interest in this year's tasting with companies purchasing tables for advertising. The managers are promoting the event much more than last year as well. 

 

"The first year, we didn't know how it would go. Now we have solid footing," owner John Kelly said. "The notoriety has grown."

 

John Kelly said he could see some 600 people making their way through the two planned tents, tasting the one to two ounce samples. He is currently working with nearby businesses to arrange additional parking.  

 

"People tended to come and go last year. It has an ebb and flow," he said.

 

Samuel Adams is sponsoring the event and will be making signage, presenting the trophies to the category winners and will be making each home brewer a placard for their table.

 

The public portion of the event is from 1 to 4; award ceremony is at 2. More information and how to enter can be found here.