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18th annual San Juan Brewfest a hit in Durango

53 craft breweries at annual festival

A beer-logged Buckley Park was alive with people Saturday afternoon for the 18th annual

Fifty-three craft breweries, including Durango’s own, were doling out 5-ounce samples for locals and visitors to a backdrop of music from Hog Magundy, Liver Down the River and Sweetwater String Band.

“This is my first time at this festival, and it’s been a great platform,” said Kelly Garoutte, a salesperson for Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon. “We’ve sold a lot of our Hop Slice, a new beer we have for the summer.”

Ska Brewing, which makes an annual Brewfest appearance, tended to a non-stop line all afternoon, said Jason Jones, who works in the brewery’s warehouse.

Brewfest raises money for United Way of Southwest Colorado. Last year, the event pulled in $25,000 for the organization.

Doug and Teresa Lashley, parents of Silverton’s Avalanche Brewing Co. owner Austin Lashley, both wore pretzel-strung necklaces and attended to show support for their son but were keeping the beer drinking to a minimum.

“I’m kind of a lightweight,” said Teresa Lashley.

Others festival goers, however, happily tested their limits.

“I have a pretty high tolerance,” said Dean Bourgoin, a Durango resident and maple syrup salesman who reported he had nine glasses of beer and was “still sober.”

The best part of the afternoon?

“No conflicts,” he said. “Some people get aggressive when they drink.”



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