Cristie ThomasA newly-launched event during Marietta’s annual Rivers, Trails, and Ales Festival is the RTA Beer Fest. Back for its 2nd year, RTA Beer Fest will feature over 15 regional breweries, a variety of local food trucks, live music, activities for the kiddos, and much more.
The first year of RTA Beer Fest packed 300 locals and festival-goers into East Muskingum Park to taste 42 beers available from 12 regional breweries. This year, 500 ticket holders will have the opportunity to choose from over 50 beers available from 15 breweries; the growth is an indication of the level of excitement produced by those passionate about support small business, local brewers, and unique community-based events like this one.
In celebration of good beer and great fun, Clutch MOV has partnered with the Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival to spotlight the 2019 lineup of participating Beer Fest breweries.
Brewery: Marietta Brewing Company
Location: Marietta, OH
Interviewer: Jeremy Stackpole, RTA Ales Director, with questions provided by Gavin Fury
Interviewee: Tony Styer, Marietta Brewing Company
When did the brewery open? The brewery opened in 1997, my wife and I bought it in 2010.
How would you best describe your mission as a brewery? Community. Our mission is bringing people together over a cold beer and some good food.
Do you specialize in brewing any individual styles, regional styles, or families of styles? If so, what drew you to focus on them? Our brewer Chris Hopkins enjoys brewing IPA’s and playing with different hop varieties and malt bills to make something unique is always fun.
Which of your offerings are best sellers or customer favorites? Our Estella’s Raspberry Wheat and Cooper’s Copper Ale are the two flagships that we always have on tap. They are year-round favorites.
Do you distribute and/or package your products? No distribution, but people can grab Growlers to go! Our beers are only available at the brewpub.
What draws you as a brewery to want to participate in RTA Fest? As a beer lover and a cyclist, I was eager to jump in and participate in this event from year one. It’s important to draw attention to the outdoor recreation that our region has to offer and beer goes well with hiking, biking, and paddling!
Do you plan to participate in any events other than the beer festival? Which ones? Hopefully! It’s a busy weekend at the pub so I hope to! Which ones? The cycling events are always of interest to me!
The 2nd annual RTA Beer Fest will take place on Saturday, August 10th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in East Muskingum Park on Front Street in downtown Marietta, OH. Tickets are now on sale! More information can be found by visiting www.rtafest.com.