By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

Nearly a thousand people poured (pun intended) onto Honolulu Avenue for the Montrose Food and Craft Beer Fest on Sunday afternoon. An estimated 35 vendors provided samples of their wares, with the primary offering being beer from a variety of Southern California-based breweries.

Among those on the avenue was Wolf Creek Brewery from Santa Clarita, which was preparing for its 21st anniversary.

The brewery was actually part of the Wolf Creek Restaurant for many years, explained David Clark of Wolf Creek.

“We opened the production facility about five years ago,” Clark said. “In addition to our regular line-up of beer, we offer specialty limited beers that includes a triple IPA and a barrel-aged Belgian.”

At Sunday’s event, Wolf Creek was pouring a lager and a red ale, both of which were very popular with the red ale running out mid-afternoon.

Mike Voss of Frogtown Brewery, located along the banks of the LA River, was a repeat vendor having been at previous Montrose beerfests. His company is just a few years old, and he said he values the chance to be a part of the Montrose event.

“It’s great to come here and meet the people who enjoy our beer,” he said.

All the beer providers were from Southern California, a decision made by the organizers of the event.

“I believe in true craft beer made by independent, small, local family-oriented businesses,” said Lynn Sullivan of We’re Pouring, a craft beer and gastropub in Glendale, who helped organize this year’s event with the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce. “Because we’re Montrose, we wanted the brewers to reflect the spirit of Montrose.”

The food offered also reflected the spirit of Montrose with goodies provided by Mountview Retirement, Trader Joe’s, Basin 141, Pepe’s and Frank’s Famous, among others.

“We like coming to this event because it keeps our name in the community and is such a fun event,” said Tracy Frey of Frank’s Famous, which offered Irish nachos.

Tickets to the event ranged from $10 to $45 with proceeds benefitting outreach efforts of the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce and the Glendale Police Foundation.

Whether a designated driver who attended for the food or a ticketholder enjoying the array of beers served, Sunday’s brewfest had something for everyone.

Eileen Stephens was the DD for her husband Ned and friends Tina and John Gocke. This was her first time at the fest.

“It’s fantastic,” she said. “Yummy food – what could be better?”

The afternoon provided something for everyone – a chance to taste some local food and to learn about beer (and wine – Rosso Wine Shop on Verdugo Road was also pouring).

“There’s something about beer that, when it’s made in your town, makes it special,” said Clark. “It’s not a conglomerate – it’s community. And we’ll do anything we can for the community.”

  Mary Okeefe, robin goldsworthy