GREENFIELD — It’s time to raise a glass. Actually, several small glasses will do.
The annual Hopes for Hope fundraiser — which benefits Hancock Hope House, a local homeless shelter — is returning to the Hancock County Fairgrounds this Saturday after being canceled last year due to COVID-19.
A perennial favorite among local beer lovers, the event raised $43,000 for the Hope House in 2019.
With the addition of live music, plus more than 10 breweries and one winery on site, executive director Andrea Mallory thinks this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever.
“I’m super stoked about it. I think live music is going to bring a totally different dynamic,” she said.
Popular regional band Stella Luna will be providing the entertainment, while guests gather at the fairgrounds’ exhibit hall to sample beers from a variety of regional breweries.
This Saturday’s event takes place from 4-7 p.m., with early VIP access available at 3 p.m.
Mallory said online ticket sales have been swift, but tickets will still be available to purchase at the door.
Advance tickets cost $40 for regular admission and $75 for VIP access, which includes early admission as well as specialty appetizers and a reserved cocktail table.
General admission tickets will be sold at the door starting at 4 p.m. for $50 each.
About 600 people attended in 2019.
“Every single dollar raised comes right back to the shelter to fulfill our mission,” said Mallory, “which is to provide a safe environment and positive support, and to advocate for homeless men, women and families on their path to self sufficiency.”
While the annual event draws hundreds of local beer fans, Mallory said nearly two-thirds of guests typically come from out of town.
Some of them tend to stick around and visit local establishments after the event, she said.
Wooden Bear Brewing of Greenfield is the only Hancock County brewery in the lineup.
“We love supporting our local Hope House homeless shelter and getting to catch up with our hometown beer fans,” said part-owner Dan Noah. “Hops for Hope was the first event that we participated in as a brewery, and we haven’t missed since. The event introduces us to new customers who can later come visit us down the street.”
For more information, visit Facebook.com/Hops4HopeCraftBeerEvent.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”If you go” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
WHAT: Hops for Hope
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 7
WHERE: Hancock County Fairgrounds, 620 Apple St., Greenfield
HOURS: 4-7 p.m.; VIP admission at 3 p.m.
TICKETS: $40 online for general admission; $50 at the door
VIP: $75 for VIP access, with early admission, specialty appetizers, and reserved cocktail table
ENTERTAINMENT: Live music by Stella Luna
BREWERIES/WINERY:
Ash & Elm
Bier Brewery
Butler Winery
Chilly Water
Chilly’s Liquors
Gem City Spirits
Field Brewing
Hoosier Brewing Co.
MashCraft
Pax Verum
Sun King
Wooden Bear
[sc:pullout-text-end]
