By Jerry duPhily
It certainly wasn’t yesterday that I sat down with now-retired Newark Mayor Vance Funk to pitch the idea of summer beer and food festival. But it sure doesn’t seem like 20 years ago.
Nevertheless, what began as a flier has evolved into a summer tradition as the Newark Food & Brew Festival celebrates two decades on Saturday, July 27. The festivities run from noon to 7 p.m.
While beer is a focal point, the Newark Food & Brew was never intended to be a keg party. And it’s never been one.
From the beginning, the goal was to provide a boost to Newark restaurants during a slow time for business. After all, even today Newark is a vastly different town when the students are gone for summer break. In 2004, the diminished business activity was even more dramatic.
“The Food and Brew Festival is a much-anticipated event that breathes life into Newark during the summer months when the University is out of session,” says Mark Arehart, executive director of The Newark Partnership. “This festival not only supports our local businesses by drawing in crowds, it also provides a wonderful opportunity for residents and tourists to enjoy the lively atmosphere and exceptional food and drink that our city has to offer.”
Yes, the Newark Food & Brew Festival is as much a Newark pep rally as anything else. And while we have many such rallies come fall, the timing of this tasty tradition couldn’t be better.
