The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce Lakes Brew Fest has just completed a successful second year. Held in Casco, this year’s edition was visited by over 600 people who enjoyed the beverages, food, music and artisan show. The smiles present at the event suggest. “mission accomplished.”

There are so many people to thank that I risk missing someone, the Chamber is grateful to all the sponsors, vendors and other supports that led to such a dramatic event growth while remaining fun and safe. While not being able to list all names here, thank you to the more than 40 volunteers who made the day possible.

This event had the support of many media outlets. Lakes Region Suburban Weekly was the Platinum Sponsor. Other media sponsors included The Bridgton News, Almanac Graphics (Lake Living), Digital Horizon Web Solutions and Maine.Info. All helped us to get the word out about this special day. Gold Sponsors Summit Spring Water and IDEALEASE provided us with event support that made the day easier to run. Summit Spring Water hosted a water area to refresh at. It added class to the day, and their staff were noted over and over for professionalism (and great water!).

Remaining sponsors included 207Realty.com, Angel’s Flight, Downeast Mortgage, FairPoint New England, Hancock Lumber and Maine Street Graphics. Each of these sponsors played a role in covering an aspect of the day. 207Realty.com and Angel’s Flight were integral in staffing the event. Thanks to all these sponsors.

For an event as large as this, it is key that there are a number of options to hold the patrons’ attention and keep them engaged. We were fortunate to have a great list of vendors available to meet this need. Angel’s Flight and The Good Life Market both came forward to add options to the day. Each was a great addition and I ask that you check them out to learn more about what they offer in Bridgton and Raymond respectfully. The Maine State Lottery also was in attendance. Thanks to them for their hard work.

The Lakes Region Community Theatre Artisan show led by Janet Ver Planck brought distinction to the day. Their exhibit area was popular to visitors throughout the event. The food vendors added much to the day. They may have worked as hard as anyone! Black Horse Tavern, Bray’s Brew Pub, Bridgton Lions Club, Delicious Licks at the Lakes and New Hampshire Kettle Korn all supported this day and we appreciate their hard work. The Chamber hopes each will return in 2006.

Finally, a few more notations. We could not have pulled this off without the various support offered by Mike Bray and staff at Bray’s Brew Pub and Restaurant. From providing meeting space to his experience, he was a terrific resource. The same can be said for the town of Casco and Town Manager Dave Morton. Their willingness to hold a safe party in Casco got the ball rolling. The Chamber finally must thank the Lakes Brew Fest Committee. They worked on this project for about nine months.

Thanks to Brewfest Committee Members: John Ludwig and Marie Paul of Bridgton Hospital ; Mrs. Tux of 207Realty.com , Chamber Board Member Wendy Richardson; Laurie LaMountain of Almanac Graphics; Janet Ver Planck of Lake Region Community Theatre; Mike Rosenbauer of Innovative Services; and Mike Bray of Bray’s Brew Pub and Restaurant.

What a great event, visit the event Web site at www.lakesbrewfest.com for details. We will be back next year.

Mike McClellan

Executive Director

Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber Of Commerce