This Saturday night, the Men of Charity will host their fifth annual Harvest Fest and Micro Brew Tasting fundraiser at St. James School. This event will host some of the best craft brewers in New Jersey, along with top local home brewers competing for the “best home brewer” title. Event goers can sample a wide array of craft brews and wines, as well as German Fest food. A “Tricky Tray” raffle will be held during the event, featuring over 25 different items. A silent auction event will also be held for a Backyard Pig Roast Party. For tickets to the event, please contact Paul Mattiola (908-419-0850).
This year’s event is surpassing prior years, both in terms of brewers and their craft brews. Presenting their brews will be 12 of the top craft brewers in the state. These brewers will be showcasing over 35 different craft brews, ranging from Grand Cru and wheat bears to IPAs and Pale Ales, as well as black lagers and mead beers. Rounding out the craft brew types include two classic abbey style Belgian Dubbels and seasonal pumpkins ales, including a “Jack O Lager”.
Ten different local home brewers will be vying for best home brewer. Contestants include local brewers, Rich Comeau, Michael Ray Singer, James Foti , Ed Anderson, Greg Rose and Greg Marks. Mike Singer will also be serving pumpkin, in the form of his Harvest Brown all with a hint of pumpkin. James Foti and Ed Anderson will host Ed’s IPA, that has a hint of honey and a touch of strawberry, as well as their Broken Bottle IPA. Greg Marks and Greg Rose will be bringing their honey brown ale, the P.O.T.G. Ale, that has malted wheat, roasted chestnuts, and a hint of Verona coffee beans. Men of Charity Brew expert Mark Balzarotti says that “these guys bring a whale of experience and talent to this year’s home brew contest. Hats off to them for sharing their beers at our annual charity Harvest Fest."
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Event goers will be treated to a variety of Oktoberfest culinary delights. There will be ham, assorted wursts, sauerkraut, German potato salad, red cabbage and spaetzle with vegetables...all to be enjoyed with the numerous craft beer offerings. According to Jim Foti, who is coordinating food for the event, “Many attendees also look forward to the oversized hot pretzels accompanied with our spicy Bavarian mustard and many other treats which can be enjoyed throughout the evening. Certainly, the many varieties of beer that is offered to sample is a major drawing card to this event; however, the food is always mentioned by those who look forward to attending this worthwhile event year after year.” The food is provided by Barth's Market in New Providence and the freshly baked bread and a special dessert is generously donated from Biagio's bakery in Stirling.
The Harvest Fest isn’t just about craft beer. The Harvest Fest will offer an array of wines, including multiple varieties of white and reds, as provided by Stirling Fine Wines in Stirling, NJ. Last year, the Men of Charity included Prosecco to the line-up and, due to popular demand, they will be looking to bring back. According to Men of Charity’s wine connoisseur, Dave Van Houtte, “Every year we have received multiple complements on both the quality and assortment of our wine selection and have heard from attendees that they can't believe that the quality of wine that we offer is included in their ticket admission cost. We have something for everyone no matter what their wine preference may be."
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Tickets are only $40 and includes beer, wine, food, and a tasting glass. On-site babysitting service, for children age 3 years and older, will be offered by the St. James Respect Life Committee for $20 per family. RSVP required. Tickets will also be available at the door while they last. Proceeds will benefit works of charity both inside and outside the Parish Community performed by the Men of Charity.
Participating NJ Craft Brewers:
The Men of Charity was formed in 2008 to engage in charitable service to the community at large. The members of the Men of Charity have been engaged in numerous donation and service activities including clothing drives, volunteering at soup kitchens, and coordinating home repairs. Additionally, through their three annual fundraising events; The Harvest Fest and NJ Microbrew Night, Winter Chili & Chowder Cook-Off and 5K Run for Kindness efforts, the Men of Charity make donations to individual families and organizations in time of need.
