Hop Fest Overview

The Madison County Historical Society is pleased to celebrate over 200 years of hop heritage in Madison County. Madison County's own resident, James Coolidge, introduced commercial hop growing to New York State in 1808 by bringing a rootstock from New England. His success enticed area farmers who took up planting acres of hops. The hop industry in New York State exploded in 1828 with eleven counties raising hops. Madison, Oneida, and Otsego Counties raised the most- nearly 80% in the nation by 1880. The Madison County Hop Fest celebrates the past and possible future of the hop industry.

Weekend Details:

Sept. 14 – Paired Hop Dinner at Centro's Restaurant of De Ruyter. Join the historical society for an exceptional meal paired with Sackets Harbor Brewing Company. Brewery owners- Pearl Ashcraft and Tom Scozzafava will be at the dinner to talk about the paired meal. Reserve your seat by 9/7. Tickets are $50.

Sept. 15 – on-site at the Madison County Historical Society- 11 am - 5:30. Free admission-three featured guest speakers- Steve Miller, New York's first Hop Specialist from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County and Good Nature Brewing owners and brewer-Carrie and Matt Whalen. There will also be brewing demonstrations by American Home Brewers Association, Salt City Brew Club, exhibits on the history of hops, crowning of the 2012 Hop King and Queen (2pm), Taste of Hops: a food and beer pairing(12-2), and of course craft beer sampling(2:30-5:30 pm). Throughout the afternoon purchase your raffle tickets to win great beer related merchandise. Visit the Hopshop to purchase hop plants and event shirts! Visit with NEHA, Foothill Hops, Madison County AED, Madison County Hop Specialist-Steve Miller, and Great Lake Brewing News.

Taste of Hops: a food and beer pairing (12-2 pm) will feature appetizers from the following restaurants: Colgate Inn, Hamilton Inn, Poolville Country Store, Sherwood Inn, and Ye Olde Landmark Tavern. Lune Chocolat will be creating a delicious beer filled chocolate for patrons. Advance Tickets $20/$25 at the door.

Craft Beer Sampling (2:30-5:30 pm) will surely be enjoyed by all from this line-up so far: Binghamton Brewing, Brooklyn, Butternuts, Cortland Beer, Cooperstown, Empire, Good Nature Brewing, Ithaca, Magic Hat, Middle Ages, Ommegang, Oskar Blues, Rooster Fish, Saranac, and Sackets Harbor. More will definitely be added! Brewery Representatives will be on hand to answer all your beer questions. Advance tickets $25/$30 at the door. Tickets available at MCHS, Good Nature Brewing in Hamilton, and Kraig's Kegs in Sherrill.

Sept. 16 – Come join us for a tour of the beautiful hop houses around Madison County! Carl Stearns, Preservation Architect from Crawford and Stearns, will lead the tour and share his vast knowledge on the development of the CNY Hop House and its role in the hop industry in upstate New York. Reserve your seat by 9/7.

Proceeds from the Hop Fest support the educational programming at the Madison County Historical Society. The tradition of promoting the art of craft brewing and the influence of the hop industry on New York State continues at the Madison County Hop Fest. We appreciate your support in our efforts to share New York State's hop culture. Looking forward to seeing you all at the 17th Annual Madison County Hop Fest!

For more information and to purchase Hop Fest tickets check out www.mchs1900.org. And of course become our fan at Hop Fest! You can also buy advance beer sampling tickets at Kraig's Kegs in Sherrill and Good Nature Brewing in Hamilton!

There is no admission to attend the Hop Fest. Admission is charged for the Paired Beer Dinner, Taste of Hops, and Craft Beer Sampling, and Hop Kiln Tour. No one under the age of 21 will be permitted to enter the events where beer is served. Proper id is required for entrance to all areas where beer is served! Please do not bring children, strollers, or pets to the event. Tickets will be available for designated drivers (who must be 21 years of age) at the entrance of the craft beer sampling tent.

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