Park District, Ale Fest Promoter Part Ways; New Model Planned for 2013 Event

The Wheaton Park District is changing things up for the third annual beer fest in downtown Wheaton. 

The event known as "Wheaton Ale Fest" will now be "Wheaton Brew Fest," after the park district ended its partnership with Brew Fest Partners. 

To adhere to the Illinois Liquor Commission's interpretation of laws related to events like Brew Fest, the district will shift from a model of unlimited 3-ounce tastes at a 5-hour event to a fifteen 2-ounce taste punch card system, with the ability to purchase additional tastes, throughout the 4-hour event, according to a news release from the park district. The general admission ticket will also include food options.

Brew Fest Partners posted on the Wheaton Ale Fest Facebook page Friday that they're looking for a new location for Ale Fest because they've been unable to negotiate an "equitable agreement" with the Wheaton Park District.

"We presently have interest have from 2 other communities in hosting the event. Please share your ideas as to what village or venue would be an appropriate location for the event," the post reads.

Park district officials declined to comment in response to the post. 

According to the park district release, Brew Fest co-director Dan Novak is "confident" the craft beer tasting public will understand that the changes are necessary to "ensure compliance with applicable law.

“At the end of the day, the legal interpretation provided by the Illinois Liquor Commission on events like this must be adhered to, we understand that change is difficult for some, but rules are rules," Novak said. 

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The 2013 Wheaton Brew Fest will be 12-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 in Memorial Park. Tickets go on sale Apr. 1.