No fishing allowed this year, but Fish and Brew festival will go on

Four breweries, a winery and a distillery will share their wares at Catch Montesano Fish and Brew Fest on Sept. 29.

By Michael Lang Twin Harbors Newspaper Group • September 27, 2018 1:30 am
Photos by Travis Rains | The Vidette file Music is easily heard from outside of Whitney’s detail shop where the 2017 Catch Montesano Fish and Brew Fest attendees ate, played cornhole and took a break from the crowded shop.
Photos by Travis Rains | The Vidette file Music is easily heard from outside of Whitney’s detail shop where the 2017 Catch Montesano Fish and Brew Fest attendees ate, played cornhole and took a break from the crowded shop.

There’s good news for fish and people who like to drink like a fish: The Fish and Brew Fest is coming.

The Montesano Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual Catch Montesano Fish and Brew Fest from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Fleet Park and the Whitney’s Chevrolet shop across First Street.

Sadly (unless you’re a fish), there will be no fishing derby this year, said Corey Rux, president of the chamber, because the rivers are closed to fishing.

“We anticipate that next year, if the rivers are open, we will continue with the derby,” he said.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Attendees, who need to be 21 years old or older, will get a commemorative glass and four drink tickets.

Tickets are available in Montesano at OCCU, Timberland Bank, Anchor Bank, Bulldog Lanes, Monte Quick Stop (76 gas station), Montesano Inn or from any chamber board member.

The cornhole tournament returns this year with cash prizes. And there will be three food options.

“The whole point of this event is Montesano is uniquely located that we have a lot of outdoor recreational opportunities,” Rux said. “And it’s an opportunity to highlight what Montesano is about, with the recreational opportunities — the fishing, being outdoors — celebrate that.”

The Bruce Hughes Band is the headliner this year. DAMP Radio will get the music going at 4 p.m., followed by Deep Woods Blues Band, Daniel and Shannon, then the headliner takes the stage at 7.

It could be a coincidence, but there are two Aberdeen breweries and two Tumwater breweries offering tipples at the festival; and the Aberdeen and Tumwater high school football teams face off the following Friday, Oct. 5, when the Bobcats host the Thunderbirds.

The Aberdeen breweries are Steam Donkey Brewing and Mount Olympus Brewing. The Tumwater brewers are Singing Hops and Tri­cer­atops. If you prefer wine, Montesano’s Wynoochee River Winery will be pouring. And if you prefer something harder, Wishkah River Distillery in Aberdeen will be on hand.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun. And we’re excited to have an event that will bring a lot of people to Montesano,” Rux said.

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To reach Michael Lang, editor of The Vidette, call 360-537-3936 or send email to mlang@thevidette.com.

O-Town Brewing of Olympia was on-hand at 2017’s Catch Montesano Fish and Brew Fest downtown. Brewer Jason Stenzel offered a freshly poured beer to an attendee inside Whitney’s detail shop.

O-Town Brewing of Olympia was on-hand at 2017’s Catch Montesano Fish and Brew Fest downtown. Brewer Jason Stenzel offered a freshly poured beer to an attendee inside Whitney’s detail shop.