Aug. 03, 2011 - Issue #824: Folk Fest

To the Pint

Beer fest

Folk Fest wouldn't be complete without a visit to the beer tent

The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is one of my annual highlights. And what Folk Fest is complete without a visit or four to the beer tent—officially called the beer garden these days. I have spent my share of time in the beer tent over the years, so I might be able to offer a few helpful tips for surviving four days in the beer tent (hopefully not continuously).
The first thing rookies should know is that selection is limited. Big Rock has an exclusive on beer, and this year will be offering Traditional Ale, Grasshopper, Gopher and Lime in both glasses and jugs (which are slightly more than 4 glasses) and Rock Creek Apple Cider in glasses. However, what is lost in range  is made up for in atmosphere. There is no better place than the beer tent on a sunny day.
So for both the uninitiated and the veterans, here is some advice for maximizing your enjoyment of the beer tent:
Tip #1: Bulk buy your tickets. I cannot stress this enough. If you know you are going to be hitting the beer tent a couple of times during the weekend, buy a cluster of tickets on the first day when it is slower. During busy times it cuts your lining up in half.
Tip #2: When drinking in groups and can agree on a beer, go for pitchers rather than individual glasses. It is more economical and better for the environment. And be sure to take your turn to buy one. No one likes a freeloader.

Tip #3: Don't feel like you can't try some beer and food pairing. The Trad would go well with green onion cake or even the Pad Thai. That elephant ear likely goes best with the cider. Indian dishes might like the Gopher as a complement. With salads and lighter fare I would look for either the Gopher or the Grasshopper. Fries and other greasy goodness likely moves you back to the Trad.

Tip #4: I find it smart to strategically plan my beer tent visits. Everyone is there on Friday and Saturday  night, so pick a slower time. The late-afternoon workshops are often a good time to head for a beer or two with friends.

Tip #5: A game I like to play (yes, I really am a beer geek) is pairing beer to the music playing on the main stage. Some smoking hot blues band? Trad. Celtic jumping music likely calls for Grasshopper. Why? Lord knows, but it is fun to see if the guess feels right.

Tip #6: Don't be afraid of the urinal (if you are male). Yes it is really just a trough, and it often has cigarette butts and beer glasses floating in it. I know it's rather disgusting, but suck it up and belly up to the trough. It's fast and it shortens the lines at the port-a-potties for your female companions. Just don't forget your urinal etiquette, boys.

Tip #7: And last but not least, pay attention to your consumption. The hot sun, relaxed party atmosphere, good music playing in the background, it may feel like your choices are consequence free. But they aren't. It is VERY easy to over-imbibe in the beer tent (yes, I have reason to know). Remember, you want to be in good enough shape the next day to do it all over again.

This is just a starting point. There is so much to learn about proper beer tenting. I suspect many of you have your own strategies that are just as effective as mine. I would love to hear them. Feel free to find me in the beer tent this weekend, buy me a beer and tell me your tactics. I would love to hear them, and who doesn't love free beer? V vueweekly.com comments: powered by Disqus