And that was what he was doing at the first annual Blackfly Brewfest in Houlton, as he sipped from a glass of ale he had gotten from the Sea Dog Brewing Company in Bangor, one of more than 30 vendors who packed into the Millar Civic Center for the first annual event.
“I have had a fantastic time, and believe me, this isn’t the first sample of alcohol here I’ve tried,” said Hogan, who heard about the event only two days ahead of time and drove up to Aroostook County with three friends. “I’ve had a chance to try a few sips of a new wine that my friend tried as well.”
Sponsored by the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, brewers brought more than 100 Maine beers to the event.
Joan Anderson, owner of the Winterport Winery, said on Saturday that they chose to attend the event because it gave them a better arena to showcase their products.
“We are quite far away from this area, so we don’t always get up here to let people know about us,” said Anderson. “But we have had a lot of people checking us out today.”
Thomas Wilson, marketing director for Gritty’s, of Portland, said that their beer products had been getting “good reviews” from consumers, especially a beer brewed especially for the brewfest.
“That has gone over really well,” said Wilson. “We brewed a small batch of that just for this show, and people seemed to have appreciated that special touch. This has been a great show. I can’t complain about this business. Ever since the doors have opened, we have been busy here at our station.”
He also credited the Chamber of Commerce for “the added touches.”
“They really rolled out the red carpet for us here, and made us feel very welcome,” he said. “It was a nice touch.”
