Beer and T-Shirt Quilts
Should I sign up for a Beer Festival? Yes. No. Maybe. What’s beer got to do with t-shirt quilts? Plus, it’s supposed to rain. I finally rationalized that it was a good idea and to try it, so I did. I sent in my registration fee. It ended up being a good decision.
The Great Atlanta Beer Festival took place this past Saturday 9/8/2012. This was one of several that they host throughout the year. I was mentally prepared for the worst: people getting sloppy drunk and spilling beer on my quilts. Having graduated from high school in Munich–Home of the Octoberfest–Germany I knew what THAT looked like! Boy was I way off base.
First you had to have the $40 to get in–$45 if you hadn’t brought a ticket in advance. At German Octoberfest there was no admission fee. Second, security was everywhere to keep folks in check. Yes, I do recall the presence of polizei and EMT’s in Munich. Third the sample cups were only 4 oz. Enough to taste–though you could go back as often as you wanted. Munich — the beer came in liters; you could drink as much as you wanted; you could drink when you were 16.
The Great Atlanta Beer Fest at Turner Field wasn’t really an Octoberfest. It was a gathering of intelligent people from all walks of life that just wanted to come out on a Saturday and have fun, socialize, and try different beers. Most were probably under the age of 30. There were a lot of students and young couples. There were a handful of people in their 40’s or 50’s. Not too many people much older than that. There were a bunch of college Florida “gators” dancing in front of the band that looked like students. Perhaps they were in town for a reunion or game.
Not being a beer vendor I caught a lot of curious eyes but then got into some very creative conversations. A lot were curious about the process of making a t-shirt quilt. Many had a “collection” that they were wondering what to do with. Some had already considered it but just not gone that extra step and were happy to meet someone who could make it. That made it all worthwhile! And oh yes, the beer ice cream — delicious! There were also a few wine vendors. Food on the other hand was limited to expensive baseball stadium concession food: hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, fries etc.
All in all it was fun and worthwhile. I also didn’t have any trouble finding guys to help with the set up, take down, and heavy lifting. Imagine that!
If you’re in Atlanta or visiting and like beer — see if this group has anything coming up at atlantabeerfestivals.com You’ll like it.
I sold one of the “Beer for Breakfast” bottle opener hats. I think they’re cool but plenty left over for next time!
Rain was forecasted and rain it did. At the beginning heavy. Then it stopped, cleared, and more people came out. I did try to shoot 2 baskets at the Hawks Hoop. Missed both – oh well, it’s been awhile!
A Beer Festival? Sometimes… you just have to try something different!
