By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
It's the nonprofit Downtown Hays Development Corporation's biggest fundraising event of the year, and in 2024, it will undergo some changes.
The eighth-annual Brews on the Bricks is set for Saturday, June 15.
For the first time, the 21-and-older event will be in Union Pacific Park, 10th and Main. The pavilion will serve as the main sampling tent.
The VIP Lounge is also new this year. From 3:30 to 5 p.m., VIP ticket holders can enjoy brews and bites.
The general admission tasting session for all attendees is from 5 to 8 p.m.
VIP tickets are almost sold out, said Julie Ryder, executive director of DHDC.
"All ticketing is online this year, but we will sell admission at the gate. It's $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP.
"In addition to the food and swag bag full of goodies, the VIP experience includes an exclusive tasting from Boot Hill Distillery of Dodge City in an air-conditioned tent, and you'll have transportation home, courtesy of Diamond Luxury Limos," Ryder said.
Music and games will entertain the general admission crowd, and food vendors will be on site.
"The forecast is showing a warm, sunny day, and it'll be a great day to come down and enjoy this fun event," she said. "Moving under the pavilion will offer shade for the first time and be cooler than when we were on the streets."
More than 100 craft beers from most Kansas craft breweries and brewpubs, as well as beers from many other regional and national craft breweries, will be featured.
For the first time, a stout beer will be available for sampling, along with ale, amber, fruit, Gose, IPA, Kölsch, lager, pilsner, porter, shandy, spiced, sour, and wheat beers, as well as canned cocktails, flavored malt beverages, and seltzers.
Defiance Brewing and Liquid Bread Brewing Company of Hays are among the presenting breweries.
"This is our biggest fundraiser, and we certainly appreciate the community support from our sponsors and those who purchase tickets to attend. It helps us keep doing what we do for downtown Hays," Ryder said.
Volunteers are still being accepted and will be furnished with a T-shirt and free lunch.
Tickets and volunteer information are available on the DHDC website at downtownhays.com under the events tab.