That person taking tickets, checking people in and pouring beer at this weekend’s Northern Virginia Summer BrewFest at Morven Park in Leesburg?
Likely an unpaid volunteer.
“We are the heart and soul of the beer fest, my friend,” said festival volunteer Jack Dalby.
But how about all that beer?
| If you go |
| Northern Virginia Summer BrewFest |
| » Where: Morven Park, 41793 Tutt Lane, Leesburg |
| » When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday |
| » Info: $15 to $45; novabrewfest.com |
“Well, almost,” Dalby laughed.
This weekend marks the fourth year that Dalby, of Leesburg, will volunteer at the festival. He’s lent a hand at the fall festival as well.
Dalby attended the festival a few years back and helped out a buddy who was a volunteer. That got Dalby hooked, and he’s volunteered ever since.
“It was so much fun, and the people are great,” Dalby said.
Dalby first got into craft beer in the early ’90s and has been hooked ever since.
Bill Collins, the festival manager, estimates he utilizes 400 volunteers during the two-day event. They work four-hour shifts, mainly pouring beer but also checking in attendees and helping out wherever they’re needed. In exchange for their time, they get to attend the festival and enjoy the beer for free.
After their shift is done, of course.
Lauren Schott has volunteered at the festival for a couple of years but has attended these gatherings since Old Dominion Brewing Co. threw the annual event.
One year, Schott got to talking to a volunteer pouring beer, and that sparked her imagination. She volunteered the following year.
“It seemed like an extra bonus,” Schott said.
Volunteers who pour use a combination of innate beer knowledge and a quick overview from the specific brewery’s rep to discuss what they’re serving attendees. The reps are then freed up to talk beer with customers.
“It was definitely a learning curve,” said Schott, also of Leesburg. She added she prefers wheat beers and porters.
Schott said she doesn’t believe people realize how fun volunteering is.
“I don’t think as many people understand how great it would be to volunteer,” she said.
This year’s summer BrewFest will feature 59 breweries, including newcomers Devils Backbone (of Lexington, Va.), DuClaw (Maryland), Great Lakes, Green Flash, Sixpoint, Epic and Bold Rock Hard Cider.
Collins cited food options, new bands and expanded crafts as additional highlights.
“It’s really a growing industry,” Collins said of the popularity of craft beer, adding he expects approximately 11,000 attendees this weekend. “I think it’s definitely stronger.”
Dalby can’t think of any challenges when it comes to volunteering. He added he’s going to be a bartender when he retires because he likes talking to people and serving what they like.
“Beer is a great social lubricant,” Dalby said.
