Keg and Bottle celebrates Chucktown Brewfest

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Keg and Bottle kicked off Saturday afternoon at the Columbus Club, a slight variation on what was the 18th annual version of the Chucktown Brewfest in Charles City.

Live polka music kept the energy light and lively as participants enjoyed wine tasting and seven different Octoberfest-inspired craft beers.

There was also time to partake in the traditional Brewfest German games Hammerschlagen and Masskrugstemmen — a hammer/nail game and a beer stein-holding contest.

If there are German games to play, there is German food to eat. Bratwursts — sauerkraut optional — coupled with pretzels and beer cheese to complement some of the robust beers patrons got to sample.

The event was originally scheduled to be held in Central Park, but was moved indoors because of cool temps and a forecast that called for showers.

“We are still really happy with the turnout and the people that are here are having a really good time,” said Charles City Events Coordinator Emily Garden.

One of the winners of the Hammerschlagen, Charles City’s Eric Rottinghaus, said he used to be a carpenter. That skill set came in handy as he was the first contestant to slam his nail flush down into a wooden stump. Rottinghaus was happy about Saturday’s outcome where he took home a little cash for his efforts and didn’t have to worry about a bruised thumb.

“We’ve done this, actually, in the field and I’ve split my thumb many a time trying to sink it in one hit,” said a smiling Rottinghaus.

Tonya Nosbisch, from Floyd, attended brewfest for the first time. She was planning on going and then she won tickets from Hy-Vee, which sealed the deal for her to attend. She said she liked the apple cider beer and CV Chocolate wine courtesy of Darbe and Co. from Charles City.

“I think it’s awesome. There’s fun stuff, fun people,” said Nosbisch.

The beers available to consume were Hoch Orchard Honey Honey Hard Cider, Arrogant Bastard Ale, Singlespeed Equatorial Wheat, Worth Brewing Bishopweizen, Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest , Exile Ruthie and Breckenridge Brewery Vanilla Porter.

“Kabrick Distributing brought in seven different beers which were unique and kind of fun — not ones you would find in Charles City. That was our goal,” said Garden.

Darbe and Co. Boutique’s wine selection consisted of CV Chocolate, CV Mint Chocolate, Els Iced Coffee, and Cat Riesling. Farm House Winery, of Fredericksburg, brought bottles of hombre, red, blue, LeBlanc, Pampered Pup and white wines to enjoy.

Marc Frana provided the polka music along with his accordian. He said he has been playing polka music for more than 40 years and was in a five-piece band back in the 70s.

Attendees could take home a keepsake Keg and Bottle glass. There was also a silent auction with wine and beer-themed baskets to bid on.

“We’re really very grateful to both our sponsors and silent auction donors,” said Garden.