1st Frank N Stein Fest a hit

By Andrea Fleming.

On Saturday, Fairmont’s inaugural Frank N Stein Halloween Beer Fest was a roaring success. The event, a celebration of local craft beer and gourmet hot dogs, drew in crowds of beer enthusiasts eager to sample the finest brews from West Virginia and beyond.

The festival, held on Monroe Street, hosted by Main Street Fairmont and the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, showcased a diverse lineup of breweries, including Weathered Ground Brewery, Chestnut Brew Works, Big Timber Brewing Company, Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company, Short Story Brewing, Swilled Dog, Hawk Knob Hard Cider, Stumptown Ales, Bridge Brew Works, High Ground Brewing, The Freefolk Brewery, and Maryland’s Big Truck Farm Brewery.

Attendees had the opportunity to taste a variety of styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, while enjoying delicious hot dogs. The weather was gorgeous, and the atmosphere was fun and inviting.

Patrick Snively, executive director of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, was excited about the event’s turnout.

“For a first-year event, we weren’t exactly sure what kind of crowd to expect and ended up being extremely pleased with the turnout. We estimate a crowd of over 800 on Monroe Street Saturday afternoon that stayed until the end. It was a unique opportunity for us to celebrate the craft beer culture while enjoying some great food and a sense of community. We’re already looking forward to next year and thinking of how to make it bigger and better.”

Short Story Brewing took home the coveted and very cool “Best of the Fest” plaque, which I overheard a few brewery owners vying for. 

Frank N Stein next year

As the festival wrapped up, many attendees were already looking forward to next year’s event, eager to see what new brews and surprises the organizers have in store.