4-Corners Brewfest Comes to Shoreline

Inspired by the annual Phinney Ridge event, the neighborhoods of Hillwood, Innis Arden, Richmond Beach and Richmond Highlands are bringing the first 4-Corners Brewfest to Shoreline on Aug. 13. Held at the Innis Arden Clubhouse, the event is intended to bring neighbors together in a friendly environment.

“Richmond Beach and Innis Arden are very strong neighborhood associations,” said Lisa Surowiec of the Richland Highlands Neighborhood Association. 

“Were floundering a little bit,” Surowiec said of Richmond Highland and Hillwood. They have trouble getting people to meetings. It can be difficult to get the people of the neighborhood to give up an evening to mingle with neighbors. A community event might get more residents out and meeting their neighbors, she said.

Some of the neighborhood residents only get together to discuss issues that are important to the community like the Point Wells development or a school levy. This event is intended to get the community together in a non-emotionally charged atmosphere.

“We felt that was something that was lacking in the area,” Surowiec said.

“It’s a lot better to get together socially,” said Innis Arden board member Bob Allen. Not all of the Four Corners neighborhoods have been good about bringing together residents, and the Brewfest is a chance for the community to get together for a good time, he said.

“Organizations succeed on the strength of personalities,” Allen said. He hopes that if people get out and meet their neighbors, they will get more involved in neighborhood associations. Even though ticket sales are limited to 540 people, Four Corners hopes enough people get together to energize the neighborhoods.

There is no requirement to live in Four Corners to attend Brewfest, Surowiec said. “It’s open to everybody.”

With the $30 cost of admission comes 10-five ounce samples from any of 20 local breweries showcased at the 4-Corners Brewfest. Due to restrictions, there will not be an opportunity to buy additional tastes so people will have to choose wisely how to spend the 10 tastes.

The price of admission also includes food from Full Moon Thai. As soon as Kerr called them, they were happy to provide food, Allen said. While professional tasters use simple food to cleanse the palate between tastings, this event is meant to bring the community together for a night of fun. The Bellingham band, Takes All Kinds, will be performing.

While the breweries aren’t charging for the beer they dispense, they will get more than free publicity for attending.

Rick Ellersick, of Big E Ales, is looking forward to interacting with other breweries. “There are a couple I am looking forward to trying,” he said. Unlike Big E, some of the featured beers are not in local pubs and he has not had a chance to try them. Ellersick wants to try 192 Brewing Company, Wingman Brewers and Sound Brewing.

Being part of Brewfest was easy for Ellersick. When he got the call from Kerr, he didn’t hesitate to join in. Ellersick attended St Luke’s and went to high school in Shoreline. “I’m real happy to be part of it,” he said.

Big E Ales has been selling Brewfest tickets at their Lynnwood restaurant and brewery. Tickets can also be purchased at American Brewing, Naked City Brewing, Beach House Greetings and Norm’s Market.

“I have sold 20 tickets myself,” Allen said.

Advanced tickets are also sold online at Brown Paper Tickets.

“Proceeds go back to the neighborhoods,” Surowiec said.

The money can be used for future events or however each association decides. The organizers didn’t want to put any stipulation on how the money could be spent.

"We decided to put the money where it can do the most good," Allen said.

Four Corners hope to make this an annual event. If it is, they might have to look to expand. Once the word spread among the breweries, more wanted to participate.

A chance to meet the neighbors, sampling of some of the best local brews, free food, live music. When asked why people should attend Brewfest, “Why not,” Surowiec asked.

The 2011 4-Corners Brewfest will include:
192 Brewing Company
American Brewing Company
Big E Ales
Diamond Knot Brewing
Elysian Brewing
Emerald City Beer Co.
Fremont Brewing
Gallagher's Where-U-Brew
Georgetown Brewing
Hale's Ales
Hood Canal Brewing
Lantern Brewing
Mac & Jack's Brewery
Maritime Pacific Brewery
Naked City Brewing
Silver City Brewing
Snoqualmie Falls Brewing
Sound Brewing
Two Beers Brewing
Wingman Brewers

Tickets to the adult only event are limited.