Grayson DDA Hosts 2nd Annual Blues & Brews

Last year, Grayson’s Downtown Development Authority and the city of Grayson hosted their first craft beer festival. Blues & Brews was marketed around town and a little into the Snellville and Loganville areas. For the most part, organizers were optimistic, but nervous, about the event.

Festival day was one of those beautiful fall days that begs people to enjoy bringing optimism to volunteers and staff. Critical Velocity set up their equipment in the pavilion, tents were raised, the tables for more than 150 brews were set up, the gates were opened … and the rest, as they say, is history.

Nearly 1,000 enjoyed last year’s event.

“We’re expecting even more this year,” said Jimmy Norton, president of the DDA. “Tickets are limited to 2,000 this year and we expect to sell out.”

The 2nd Annual Grayson Blues & Brews is once again sponsored by Magic Hat. Critical Velocity, a rock/blues band, will return to the stage and Delta Moon will finish out the entertainment day.

“We hope to include a few local favorites throughout the day, too,” said Natalie Powers, co-Chair of Blues & Brews.

Organizers have already signed on sponsorships by Eagle Rock Distributing, , , Summit Chase Country Club, C.A. Murren’s, Chelsea Gardens and Taylor Construction. Safe Ride/Designated Driver services are sponsored by Brett Harrell, Elevation Realty and Hamilton Financial Services.

Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are still available; information can be found on the website.

Grayson Blues & Brews Craft Beer Festival is a fund raising event for the Grayson DDA whose goal is to promote and advance the city of Grayson by acting as a liaison between business and government - and to assist in improvements of all types for the benefit of Grayson’s citizens and the community. Funds have already been used to assist the City of Grayson in a downtown redevelopment study.

"Further tangible initiatives are planned to chart Grayson's future," said Norton.

A 21 and over event, tickets are already selling briskly via the website  and will soon be available around town at the Hail Mary Pub, Johnny’s Pizza in Grayson and Lawrenceville, Nikos in Snellville and at Grayson City Hall.

“There may be other ticket outlets added as more people begin to get involved,” said Powers. “Our website and Facebook page will be updated to make it easy for people to find tickets.”

Advanced sale tickets are $25; at the door on the day of the event they will be $30. Admission includes a tasting stein and a day full of … blues and brews!