After two summers of COVID-19-related absence, the ShakesBeer Festival returned for its fifth year in full force, bringing craft beer and brewers together on the grounds of the historic American Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford on Aug. 27. Guests enjoyed tastes from more than 50 local craft breweries, with food truck eats from Firehouse Grill, Melting Truck, Snappy Dawgs, Liberty Rock Tavern, Jonez N’ BBQ and Zack’s Frozen Yogurt. Jon Hollywood performed live during the afternoon event, while guests enjoyed the many offerings, shopping local craft vendors and playing yard games on the venue’s lawn, which overlooks Long Island Sound. The ShakesBeer Festival is organized by local beverage professionals Steven Bilodeau and Pete Rodrigues, who created the annual event to raise money for charitable causes. A portion of the event proceeds benefited athletic scholarships for Stratford students via the Stratford Oldtimers Athletic Association.
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- The ShakesBeer Festival returned for its fifth year to the historic American Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford on Aug. 27.
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- Ryan Galligan, Sensory Analyst and Ryan Daco, Volunteer, Two Roads Brewing Company.
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- Phil Marchello, Troëgs Independent Brewing and Brian Rouse, Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers.
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- David Manente, Volunteer, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company highlighting Captain Lawrence Brewing Company Citra Dreams Hazy IPA.
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- Robin Weissauer, Volunteer, Lawson’s Finest Liquids showcasing Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine IPA and Little Sip IPA.
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- Volunteers James Davis and Sarah Luhr, Samuel Smith’s highlighting Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale and Organic Strawberry Fruit Beer.
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- ShakesBeer Festival organizers Pete Rodrigues and Steven Bilodeau.
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- Festival team volunteers: Sam Clark, Joe Bogdwicz, Gina Keklik, Bob Santo, Patrick Wells and Dick Wells.
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- Ben Curry, Brew Representative, Dogfish Head and Eric Fuerst, Sales Representative, Samuel Adams.
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- Mike Vieira, Sales Representative, Thimble Island Brewing Company.
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- Ryan Hovan, New England Brewing Co. pouring New England Brewing Co. Fuzzy Baby Ducks IPA.
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- Johanna Davis, Volunteer, Victory Brewing Company showcasing Victory Brewing Company Golden Monkey Belgian-Style Tripel.
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- Alix D’Elia, Volunteer, Collective Arts highlighting Collective Arts Guava Gose.
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- Ales Anita Perez, Volunteer, Rogue Ales highlighting Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar Brown Ale and Batsquatch Hazy IPA.
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- Rhena Higgins, Volunteer, Brooklyn Brewery showcasing Brooklyn Brewery East IPA and Brooklyn Lager.
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- Ben Kriskey, Field Sales Manager, Narragansett Brewing Company.
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- Ashley DiCarlo, Brand Ambassador, Whalers Brewing Company showcasing Whalers Rise APA.
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- Joe Pelligrino, Distributor and John McGovern, Volunteer highlighting Other Half Brewing Forever Ever Session IPA and Southern Hopalistic New England IPA.
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- Among the food truck food vendors, team from Jonez N’ BBQ.
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- Representatives from Twelve Percent Beer Project.
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- Tom Santopoetro, Brand Ambassador, Velvet Libations with Jim Tziokas and Jen Tziokas, Shebeen Brewing Company.
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- Mark DaSilva, Owner, Bad Sons Beer Co. and Christian Crowl, Volunteer.
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- James Brown, Powder Hollow Brewery, showcasing Powder Hollow Brewery Raspberry Sour and Powder Hollow Brewery West Coast Style IPA.
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- Allie Coletti, Assistant Brewer and Chris Ruggiero, Owner, Berlinetta Brewing, highlighting Berlinetta Velvet Pilsner.
Photos by Lisa Nichols, Bread & Beast Photographer.
