By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

It was an enthusiastic crowd that filled the 2200 block of Honolulu Avenue on Sunday for the Annual Montrose Craft Beer Fest hosted by the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce.

A total of 738 tickets were sold to the event. According to Mavil Aghadjanian, executive director of the MVCOC, the fundraiser supports the chamber’s mission.

“[The Chamber] actively supports and enriches the community, [its] vitality, and helps preserve the historic district and small town atmosphere. [The Chamber strives] to promote economic stability and positive, productive relationships within Montrose and the surrounding communities,” said Aghadjanian. “We do this through business mixers, ribbon cutting ceremonies, and through sponsoring community events such as: the Memorial Day ceremony, the Montrose Christmas Parade, and other programs for local youth groups through cooperative advertising.”

Ticketholders were greeted by members of the MVCOC at the corner of Honolulu and Ocean View Boulevard. They provided wristbands confirming the age of ticketholders and directed them to the booth hosted by We’re Pouring that provided the glasses used for tasting the variety of craft beers.

Thirty-five booths were on-site, offering a taste of their fare. Among these were members of Alissa’s Oceanview Bar & Grill https://www.restaurantji.com/ca/la-crescenta-montrose/ocean-view-bar-and-grill-/.

“It’s an enthusiastic crowd of people,” said Chris Long of Alissa’s, which was serving up fish tacos.

Among the eight restaurants, 22 breweries and five informational/craft booths onsite were some longtime favorites. This was the fifth year that Bottle Logic Brewing was on the avenue. Tim Reider and Mark Lewin manned the taps, providing tastes of their craft beer.

“It’s over the top,” Reider said of the event.

Sommelier Marcelo Waldheim of 818 Wines was pouring tastes of several wines. This was the first time that Waldheim has worked at the popular festival.

“It’s a misconception that lower quality wines are being offered,” he said. “But I brought some good wines.”

For those in the mood for something sweet, Keller Williams realtor Justin Jenewein (aka “The Donut Guy”) had a booth that drew a lot of attention. Aubree Chavarriga handed out the sweet treats to ticketholders.

Harland Beer Co. rep Adrian Brown welcomed ticketholders as well, extending an invitation to one of their tasting rooms.

“The Scripps Ranch tasting room is worth the trip south,” he said.

Rich Hawkinson was visiting from out of town. His kids live locally. A former media person, Hawkinson thought the MVCOC event was “great.”

“People don’t appreciate how much work it takes to put on something like this,” he said. “It compares well.”

The challenges of hosting an event of this size was not lost on Aghadjanian.

“We’d like to thank all of the breweries, restaurants, organizations, sponsors and volunteers that came together to help us execute this successful event yet again for its eighth year,” she said. “Showcasing and highlighting local breweries and restaurants is always the goal and we’re thankful to this community that continuously shares their support.”