By Gabbie Burton
Contributing Writer

Ask any one of the 1,800 attendees at this year’s 12th Kennett Winterfest why they came to the annual festival this past Saturday at the Genesis parking lot in Kennett Square and their answer will likely be simple: Beer and the people who love it. 

With 62 breweries, 20 vendors and live music from two different bands, those who attended had plenty to do -- and drink -- at the festival. Mary Lou Baily, events coordinator for Kennett Collaborative, the hosts of the festival, shared that the event “exceeded all expectations.”

“We tried to add in more experiences for people, home brewing demonstration and expanding our music offerings and the contests,” said Baily.

This year’s Winterfest featured two competitions -- best dressed and best “snacklace,” a tradition of the Kennett Brewfest and Winterfest where attendees string together pretzels and other snacks to wear as an edible necklace – providing style and sustenance.

Courtney Doyle, a West Grove local, has been making pretzel necklaces since her second visit to the Kennett Brewfest, and this year’s Winterfest was her fifth. On her latest visit, she made it her mission to “outdo everyone.”

“I went to Walmart and bought every snack that has a hole in it,” she said. “I made 17 of them. I love a social gathering – I fear it turns into a high school reunion – but I always turn up. I love seeing everyone, and it’s a fun break from the winter blues.”

Although Doyle prepared for her preferred competition, the best dressed competition seemed to fly under the radar, even among those who appeared to be dressed for it. From kilts to fluffy onesies, almost everyone who seemed a shoo-in for the best-dressed competition had no idea about it, including Brent Lobley, who attended the festival in a green dragon onesie. He took a moment to share what he enjoyed most about the festival.

“There’s a good selection of breweries that bring a good selection of beer,” Lobley said. “I really like drinking good beer, supporting local breweries and being with other people who enjoy beer.”

Another enthusiastic onesie wearer, Lillian Nichols, had a similar take on the day, crediting her fellow beer fans for the special magic of the day.

“It’s the people,” Nichols said. “We drink beer, talk about beer and there’s never a harsh word spoken.”

Nichols also credited the local breweries for the diversity they bring to the table and always having a variety of beers to choose from. Drink options at the event included just about everything from ciders, porters, IPAs, pilsners, sours, pale ales, non-alcoholic beers and even a unique drink called “komfruitcha” from Spirochete Brewing, which was described as the first ever “postbiotic” drink on the market.

Although beer will always serve as Kennett Winterfest’s main attraction, it is the shared camaraderie that ultimately drives the event and keeps everyone wanting to come back for more. 

“Everybody here is unique,” said a representative from Sly Fox Brewing Company. “It’s a lovely, friendly community, everyone gets along and it’s unique to Pennsylvania.”

To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email [email protected].