Third Annual Change in the Air Fest Showcases Locals

Change in the Air Foundation (C.I.T.A.) hosted the third Annual Change in the Air Festival, with support from the City of New Haven, New England Brewing Co., Athletic Brewing Co, Lawsons’s Finest Liquids and several other local sponsors. C.I.T.A. Fest is a brew fest and cultural fair celebrating diversity in the craft beer industry, at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in New Haven on Oct. 28. Beer from more than 22 local craft breweries was poured throughout the outdoor festival, with a focus on Black- and Brown-owned producers, along with food from a variety of local businesses, including Betzy’s Food Truck, Madeline’s Empanaderia, Je T’aime Cupcakes & Cocktails, The Drunk Alpaca and more. Guests enjoyed live performances by Funkshun Band, DJ Meechi, DJ Reefa, DJ Gameboy and The Dwayne Keith Project. Local artists also displayed their works and created live murals throughout the festival. The event benefited the African American Brewers Scholarship, which funds scholarships for Black and Brown students in Sacred Heart University’s Brewing Science Certificate program, which was established in partnership with NEBCO, CT Brewers Guild and Sacred Heart University.

: The third annual Change in the Air Festival, a brew fest and cultural fair celebrating diversity in the craft beer industry, was hosted at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in New Haven on Oct. 28.

: Festival Co-organizers and New England Brewing Co.’s Jamal Robinson, Director of Sales and Marketing and Jess Robinson, Digital Marketing Coordinator.

: Selections from New England Brewing Co.: SeaHag IPA, Elm City Pilsner, Schnitzengiggles, Ghost Pigeon Porter, Tropical Trash Wheat Ale and Wiess Trashberry.

: Alisa Bowens-Mercado, Owner, Rhythm Brewing Co.

: Marissa Bentivoglio, Intern, Lawson’s Finest Liquids.

: Change in the Air, the collaborative brew from Lawson’s Finest Liquids and New England Brewing Co.

: Pepper Lavoie, Admissions Counselor, Sacred Heart University. The event benefited the African American Brewers Scholarship, which funds scholarships for Black and Brown students in Sacred Heart University’s Brewing Science Certificate program, which was established in partnership with NEBCO, CT Brewers Guild and Sacred Heart University.