Capital City Brewfest will raise funds for scholarship

The Capital City Brewfest is returning to downtown this year after its inaugural success last year as a fundraiser for Carson City Rotary.

“It went fantastic,” said Rotary president-elect Katie Leao. “We had over 1,100 people attend, and we surpassed our fundraising goal.”

The Brewfest will include 27 breweries from all over Northern Nevada and California. It will run 5-10 p.m. June 10 along Carson Street, which will be closed from Second to Fourth streets. General admission is $30.

“Our goal is to raise money for our scholarship program,” Leao said. “We pay one student $3,000 a year for four years. It’s a great scholarship, and this fundraiser helps us do that.”

While last year was considered a resounding success, Leao said, she has high hopes for the coming event.

“This year is going to be even better,” she said. “McFadden Plaza is open. Construction is complete in downtown Carson City. The sidewalks are wider with lots of places for people to sit down and visit with one another.”

In addition to beer, food trucks will also be scattered throughout downtown, along with live music.

Funds raised more than the amount needed for the scholarship are donated to community programs.

“Our mission is to be engaged in the community, support education and to participate in all different avenues of service,” Leao said.

A special wristband is available for $5 to designated drivers.

“We don’t want anyone making poor choices,” Leao said.

Partnering with the Fox Brewpub and the Carson City Visitors Bureau, Leao said they hope to make the Capital City Brewfest an annual event. She said it not only benefits the Carson City Rotary, but the community as a whole.

“It brings people downtown while raising awareness and supporting education and youth,” she said. “It’s just a really fun event.”