Tips for enjoying Okanagan Fest of Ale

Hey Everyone,

This post goes out to my friends & fellow beer lovers out there that are attending the Okanagan Fest of Ale (OFOA) in Penticton on the weekend of April 4^th & 5^th.  I’ve frequented the event a few times and it provides a solid showcase of the craft beers that are available in BC and other regions. I’ve had a few friends try and convince me to go this year but I think it’s just too close to the last stretch of this semester to fit it in. Sorry, maybe next time.

I’m no expert when it comes to surviving beer related festivals but I do have a few things to impart to those that are attending. Many of these items I didn't follow myself so they have been through the test phase for success. So pour yourself a tasty beer into a beer-clean glass and peruse this list (which is in no specific order) and prep yourself accordingly.

1. Try New Beers – Don’t waste your tokens on beers you’ve had before (I’ve made this mistake). Try something new that is within range of your comfort zone. For example: I know my pals Kevin & Jerry don’t like hoppy beers. So the last thing I’d suggest to them is anything with a hop presence like an IPA, ESB or even a Northwest Pale Ale. Although amber ale & honey browns may be to their liking, a scotch ale might be a pleasant diversion. When in doubt, ask the person at the booth. If the brewery has something on cask: TRY IT! No questions.
2. Plan of attack – OFOA has a list of breweries and beers they intend to serve (Psst, check their website here)   WARNING: Keep in mind that too many times the most popular beers will be gone by Friday night if you’re attending on the Saturday. US Breweries in attendance also tend to run out of their beer first on Friday.  Make a checklist (seriously) whether it is on your phone or old fashioned paper.  If you manage to get through your list – then great. I hope you took notes.
    



Water: It's not just a cool book for brewers,
you can drink the stuff too!

3. Hydrate – It works. You make more trips to the washroom but you save $$$ in the long run. A bottle of water is usually only a token each ($2). I would have one bottle of water MINIMAL every hour to keep from getting too dehydrated. If you're bad at that, set an alarm. If you still have probs, get your significant other to remind you; you’ll thank them later (that’s REMIND, not nag). If you don’t have a significant other, get your drinking buddy (or 3) to shove one in your face to drink up.
4. You WILL get separated from your group – Don’t panic. That’s what texting is for. Have a meeting spot. If you’re like me and get distracted really easy and lose your group, then use your wayward nature as an opportunity to meet new people.
          Ladies, do your best to avoid getting P.O.’d at your man for getting distracted by that delicious BackHand of God Stout w/ specialty organic hops on cask. In fact, I think it’s awesome that Dawn, Leanne, and my other female friends wander off on their own and get into “mischief” & tell their ‘boys’ to ‘run along’. This relaxed attitude ends up with all of us checking in with each other frequently anyway. It’s fun for all and tons of laughs. I know they have good stories. If you’re into it, turn it into some fun and get matching shirts or something. I know my friend Leanne makes custom shirts for the lot of us. (Too bad I get to miss out this year).  I’ve even seen people wear the same sort of hat so they can find each other if they get separated.

   

   I ended up with this hat from a past OFOA. I have a LONG way to go before I think I'm worthy enough to wear it. Ask me about it over a pint sometime - it's a funny story.

5. Don’t beat up your taste buds – Meaning avoid that hoppy Double IPA off the bat. Start with easy drinking stuff such as lagers or blonde ales first. Now with line ups growing as the day progresses, this may not be the most ideal strategy. Balance this as much as you can with trying new stuff and your plan of attack. I do know your taste buds will thank you for it.
   
   
6. Enjoy the beer – Think of how it smells, savor it, what does it remind you of.  Talk about it. If you got separated from your group, ask other people around you. That extra minute you take enjoying the beer (or figuring out why specifically you don’t like it) can make a huge difference. I know many times there’s a specific flavour I can’t put my finger on until my girlfriend Heather points it out right away. (Example: “This beer smells like flowers!” – followed by a glass of beer that undergoes aerodynamic and collision testing at the nearest wall.) There's no wrong answer.
   
   Disclaimer: My girlfriend actually doesn't throw glassware full of beer. It's just humorous to think she might...as long as it's not at my head.
7. Make Notes – You don’t need to chronicle the delicate intricacies of the flowery hop that could’ve been used in said German lager and discern whether it’s from Munich or Freising. On the other hand, you may need more notes than “I LIKE!” or “GUUD. Git moRe!”.  Those that know me understand that I like taking beer notes when I sample new beers. I’ve tried taking elaborate notes at beer fests and I fail because it's not really the time or place.  Unique reminders will help.   
          If you’re more tech inclined, you could use the Untappd App. It’s free and you can track what you have had. You can also see other viewpoints on the same beer, check what other people are saying, post to Twitter..Whoa, maybe all that is for another post. Psst: Find me on UnTappd under BeerLearner. 
   
   
8. FOOD: Eat it. – Eat a full meal BEFORE the festival. The food stands are a decent substitute but should not be entirely relied on due to cost and plenty of grease (albeit delicious). Your body will thank you.  My group of friends meet for a meal afterwards but priming your body for beer with a healthy dose of eats will carry you far...so your friends don’t have to. 
   
   
9. Dress Appropriately – You’d be surprised how many women show up to OFOA (or other fests for that matter) looking like they’re gonna hit the club with strappy sandals, wispy scarves, press-on eyelashes, tons of make up, and  painted on clothes. Really? There’s likely going to be TONS of drunk guys there and...never mind. Regardless, you’re going to be on your feet all day. Feet get accidentally stepped on due to lots of people, so be mindful if you wear flip flops (also you could end up like this guy).   
           Spills happen so it’s not the best time to wear something that you may not want beer on. Dark absorbent colors win out. All those people and bumping into strangers happens, so be polite. Because it can be a bit cooler in Penticton in April, I suggest dressing in layers but don't over do it. I see too many fest goers toting their heavy jackets and purses and all sorts of what not where it looks more of a chore than fun. For OFOA I usually wear a t-shirt, light hoodie, and a spring jacket; mainly because I like pockets for all my stuff.
   
   

   

   I try and make it a habit to buy a shirt
   every year I go to OFOA

10. Souvenirs – Tote a little extra cash to take something home. Something not someone! (Sheesh you people :P)  I  have 3 shirts from some of the past OFOAs that I've attended. Sure they’re worn down, but every time I wear them it puts a smile on my face from the good memories I have.
    
    
11. Be polite – Thank the organizers, the booth operators, volunteers, etc. when you can. A little good energy goes a long way and they work hard. Be courteous to other attendees whenever possible. 
12. Take pix! – Commemorate the occasion! When are all your friends going to get together again? With us, it’s a big group so we try and get pictures when we can.  Beware of photobombers! Hear that Artur?
13. The booth operators are people too – Keep in mind these people will be busy but a little bit of chit chat here and there can’t hurt. If you like their beer – tell them! If you like their logo –tell them too!. If their beer isn’t for you, then be nice about it and say something like “Sorry, It’s not my thing. Thank you for asking.”
14. Be Safe – I’m confident everyone has a safe ride to their crash space, place of lodging or home. I know our “mob” gets rooms at the local Sandman which is within walking distance of the event. Plan this WAY ahead of time. This is critical so you don't get into a situation that may prevent you from going next year.  

The above insights are geared towards OFOA but are applicable to other beer related events such as Great Canadian BeerFest, Calgary Beerfest, etc.  I’m sure there are other tried and true guidelines but these will set you up to have a good time. 

Thanks for reading,
BeerLearner