Hops for Hope 2015 Benefiting New Hope

It’s hard to believe, but it’s one of my favorite times of the year, Hops for Hope! We have had the privilege of being a part of this event for….hold on….carry the one…..a long time! What we love is the intimacy and ambiance of this event…oh, AND that we get to check out awesome craft beer AND it benefits the kids – EVERYBODY WINS!!!

This year we’re back at the Lily Barn in Townsend – awesome place – with Miss Lily’s bringing it hard and heavy with the food – awesome food. The event begins at 6pm and $60 gets you in the door for an evening of awesome craft beer, great food, incredible entertainment and a killer silent auction (there will be a KBS beer basket in there, just say’n).

We’re thrilled to have 10 brewers join us this year – that’s more than in any year prior and with only 300 tickets to go around, that means short lines, plenty of beer to go around and more of a “party in your buddy’s backyard” feel vs. the major festival feel. Who are those breweries? Glad you asked. They are; Saw Works Brewing Company, Calfkiller Brewing Company, Blackhorse Brewing, Fanatic Brewing Company, Depot Street, Finch’s, Crafty Bastard Brewery, Cool Springs Brewery, Bluetick Brewery and Highland Brewing Company. Quite the lineup!

Music will be brought to us by Backseat Delilahs and Sunshine Station – great tunes. Also, Vienna Coffee and the Blount County Homebrewers will be onsite.

For the second year we’ll be doing a special VIP tasting for an additional $25 clams – 4 big beers (one rhymes with Courbon Bounty) will be paired with specialty dishes via a tasting hosted by Knoxville’s very own Jeremy Walker. Don’t worry, we learned from last year and will be holding this at 7:30. Only 20 seats are available though, so act fast!

Now, this is all good fun but it’s important to understand why we gather for this event. New Hope Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center is THE resource in Blount County for kiddos who experience physical or sexual abuse. This is where the healing begins. The team at New Hope is top notch and – unfortunately – the numbers are up, funds are needed and a capital campaign for a new building is on the horizon as they are busting at the seams. I not only hope you will support this event but also check out New Hope, get involved if you can and support them however you feel led.

After all of that I’m sure you are ready to pull the trigger on tickets – AWESOME. Go to blountkids.org and you can order on the site (scroll down) or hit The Casual Pint in Bearden or The Casual Pint in Maryville as they both have tickets on hand. $60 for regular, $85 for VIP and $30 for designated driver tickets. We also have a shuttle running from the grass lot at Dancing Bear thanks to Knox Brew Tours AND there are rooms available at the Treemont Lodge – just tell ’em you’re with Hops for Hope.

Questions? Let us know! We hope to see you there. Prost!