CHATHAM — In its third year, the increasingly popular Amateur Craft Beer, Wine and Cider Contest continues to attract more and more entries at the Columbia County Fair, according to Superintendent Betsy Braley of Chatham. “This contest reflects the increasingly popular craft of making beer, wine and cider and it grows a little each year,” she said. “It’s great to see both old and new traditions and recipes make their way to the judging stand.”
The contest is open to any amateur wine, beer or cider maker 21 years and older who live within 50 miles of Chatham, where the 177th annual Columbia County Fair will be held this year Aug. 30 through Labor Day, Sept. 4.
Entries and payment of $5 per entry must be postmarked by Aug. 20 and mailed to the Columbia County Fair, P.O. Box 257, Chatham NY 12037. All entries must be received for judging no later than noon on Aug. 26. Judging will take place that day at 3 p.m. at the fairgrounds. The contest is sponsored by S.T. Hudson’s Son Plumbing & HVAC.
In the craft beer category, entries will be received for lager, stout, ale, India Pale Ale (IPA) and fruit beer. In the craft wine category, entries will be received for red, white, mead and “other.” In the cider category, entries will be received for specialty cider, standard cider and perry classes. Awards of $15 for first prize, $8 for second prize and $5 for third prize will be awarded in each category. A $50 prize will be awarded to the best of show for the overall outstanding amateur beer, wine or cider chosen from among all of the first place winners in each class.