Is it just me, or do you also hear, "Smoke on the Water" every time someone says Smoke in the Valley? It's probably just me.
What is Smoke in the Valley?
Smoke in the Valley is a fairly new event in the area. 2013 marks the third annual festival of craft beer and chili.
According to their website, "The event, founded and organized by the not for profit Seymour Tradition, is a fundraising event to raise money for Seymour Youth Sports programs, as well as Seymour Fire and EMS Companies. Seymour Fire and EMS are all staffed by volunteer members."
Break it Down
This was my first time attending the festival. I really wanted to go last year, but had other obligations, so I was determined to go this year.
Smoke in the Valley was held October 5th from 12-4:30 in downtown Seymour. I was there from 12:20-1:20. In that short hour, I was able to taste a handful of tasty craft beers and some really great chili.
Here is how it works - I purchased my ticket for $30 ahead of time online so when I arrived, I was able to get in the shorter line. I was handed my tasting mug (see photo above) and was fitted with a pink wrist band. As I made my way down the Broad Street bridge, I was amazed at how many people were already there and how many beer and chili tents lined the street.
With over 90 breweries on site, it was difficult to pick which beer to try first. I ended up going for the first one I saw with the shortest line. After my mug was filled, I went to grab some chili. The tasting cup fit perfectly on top of the mug, which made it much easier to eat, drink, and walk at the same time.
In addition to all the beer, chili, and other food, there were also two stages with live music and other activities (including a dunk tank and raffles).
Tips & Notes
I am definitely planning on going back next year and I will be prepared. Here are a couple of tips/notes I learned this year:
-Wear one of those drawstring backpacks instead of bringing a purse
-Pay ahead for cheaper rates and it makes it easier to get in
-Have your ID and ticket out before you get to the gate
-Make sure to drink responsibly!
-Tell all your friends and make a day of it!
Extra Special
What makes this event extra special is that Smoke in The Valley teams up with Seymour Pink to organize a 5K road race to raise money for breast cancer awareness that they hold the morning before the Festival.
Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen was one of the sponsors this year for the Festival and held an after party at the restaurant after 4:30.
With events all day, you can really turn your Saturday into a fun day for you and your friends, family, and neighbors.
