Brian Kincaid serves a sample of his Funky Monkey brew during last year’s event. (Photo by Lasca Randels)

WINONA LAKE — For the eighth year in a row, the Kosciusko Kettleheads invites the community to Homebrew Fest on Saturday, June 22. Anyone age 21 and older can sample and vote on a variety of unique brews while helping raise money for Combined Community Services.

Kettleheads President Jason Rich describes the event as, “a great way to taste a huge variety of beers made by your neighbors.”

This year’s event is near Cerulean Gardens, Winona Lake. The event is a fundraiser for CCS to help with the organization’s energy assistance program. VIP ticketholders get in at 5 p.m. and receive a special tasting glass and access to special brews. The main event begins at 6 p.m.

One of the big draws of the event is the ability to talk to each brewery about their creations. Attendees will be able to ask the brewers questions, learn about each individual brew and spend time with other beer enthusiasts.

This year, there are around 40 unique brews to enjoy including an easter beer made with several pounds of jellybeans and a beer made with yams. With a large variety of styles, attendees are destined to find multiple favorites.

Fans will determine their favorite beer in a token-a-vote contest and the winning brewer will take home a traveling trophy. Jars will be placed at each table for voters’ convenience.

Last year, around 250 people attended the event and raised $7,700 for CCS’s utility assistance. In the winter months, many families seek help once their utilities are shut off.

“We want an excuse to brew as much as we can, and if we can do it for a good cause like CCS, we can help out a lot of people that way,” said Rich. “They’re a great charity. The local need for food and utility assistance is bigger than anyone realizes. We just like to help people that like to help themselves, that’s who CCS deals with.”

Tickets are $25 and are sold in advance or at the door for as long as they last. A limited number of VIP tickets are also available for $45 apiece and include a commemorative glass, exclusive beers and early admission.

Additional information and a link to order tickets is available here.

If you would like to donate to CCS’s utility assistance but can’t attend the event, visit online.

The Kettleheads ask that no one younger than age 21 be present at the event and that all who come to sample also bring a designated driver.