Another fantastic Bremerton Brewfest is in the history books.

What a wonderful venue in which to hang out with all of your friends, acquaintances and family members while enjoying some of the best beers that the Pacific Northwest has to offer under an umbrella of nearly perfect weather conditions.

Downtown Bremerton was the place to be on Saturday.

This year I heard next to nothing in the way of complaints about how long the lines were from the participants. All despite the fact that everyone was being packed like sardines into a confined space.

Most beer enthusiasts seemed to take the close quarters as just part of the overall shared experience.

We openly joked with the individuals cutting in front of us that we would be cutting in front of them later. The only distress anyone seemed to have was in regards to the challenges it took to navigate the crowds on hand and position yourself in the next line for the brewer booth you wanted.

The variety of beers on hand to taste covered a wide spectrum that called to nearly every palate.

Typically I don’t go for hard ciders, but I tried one that was awesome and will be making a trip out to that brewery for some more.

I would really like to thank the Washington State Beer Commission for continuing to support and host this festival in Bremerton. Your organization practices are top notch and everything seemed to flow in a seamless manner.

All of the staff at the various brewer booths were friendly, helpful and obviously happy to be there. They helped to make this festival the fun and entertaining environment that it was.

Big thanks to the Bremerton Foodline for their efforts to feed and hydrate the massive crowd. The pretzel necklaces were a big hit. After I purchased mine, I must have been asked a dozen times where I got it.

The Bremerton Police Department presence was welcomed and appreciated. The officers were very helpful in answering questions and assisting the crowds looking to navigate the entrances and the event layout.

It was great to see Chief Strachan there, front and center, being recognized and talked to by so many members of the community.

Please help to keep this event in Bremerton. Show your support to the Washington State Brewers Commission and to the hardworking local business owners and community members who are critical in getting and keeping this great event at a location that so many in the West Sound can enjoy.

Cheers!

Colleen Smidt is a longtime resident of Bremerton who writes about government and social matters that affect Bremerton residents.