It’s a party that keeps growing.
The eighth annual Hops and Crops Music and Beer Festival at Mary Olson Farm on Green River Road drew a record crowd that came to soak in the suds, the music and whatever sunshine that peeked through a stubborn overcast sky last Saturday.
Thirteen area breweries served up more than 30 on-tap beers and ciders to customers.
The day included a lineup of live bands, food and games, tours and appearances from celebrity animals, including Pip and Stinger, a pair of sociable, fuzzy, photogenic mini donkeys who posed for about 100 photos while wearing festival flower wreaths.
The festival attracted a crowd of 789, nearly a 20 percent increase from last year, according to Patricia Cosgrove, executive director of the White River Valley Museum, which overseas the farm. Organizers counted 75 dogs, big and small, in attendance.
More than $9,500 was raised to support education programs at the farm, an increase from a year ago, Cosgrove said.
Reber Ranch sponsored the event.
For more information, visit wrvmuseum.org.
Amanda Fitch strings a tune on her fiddle with her group, Bootleg Sunshine. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter
A vintage truck looks on as the music blares from stage. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter
A taster mug foams with a savory beer. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter
A patron gets a taste of a beer. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter
Friendly mini donkeys Pip and Stinger were stars of the stable. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter
