The annual San Juan Brewfest featured 50 breweries with more than 100 different beers at Buckley Park on Saturday afternoon.

The event, now in its 19th year, attracted a crowd of about 1,000 people from 1 to 5 p.m.

Breweries from Colorado, Alaska, New Mexico, Oregon and elsewhere packed into the park, offering samples to ticketholders. Fruity mocktails were available for designated drivers.

Kate Johnson said she tries to avoid local breweries at the Brewfest in favor of out-of-towners.

“My favorite local brewery is Ska,” she said. “It’s hard, but I try not to get local beers because I can get them any time.”

Johnson was sampling the Bump ’n’ Rind Watermelon Kolsch from Boulder Beer.

“I try to start with lighter beers,” she said. “This is my third year here. It is a fun atmosphere and I always have a great time.”

Bailey Carlson and Kurt Lynn were newcomers to Brewfest, and were happy with their decision to attend.

“I’m very much enjoying it,” Carlson said. “There is a huge variety of beer and it has all been fantastic. The music is also awesome.”

Carlson said the Mango Mosaic Pale Ale from Breckenridge Brewery is her favorite beer. For Lynn, it’s the Peachy Peach from Pagosa Brewing Co.

“There hasn’t been a beer that I tried here that I haven’t liked. I’m impressed,” Carlson said.

mrupani@durangoherald.com