The Thread City Hop Fest, a food and craft beer tasting event, took place at Jillson Square Park in Willimantic on May 18. Attendees enjoyed samples from more than 60 breweries, cideries and distilleries from throughout New England while i98.3’s Keith C. Rice provided the musical backdrop. Organized by Willimantic Brewing Company on behalf of Willimantic Renaissance, Inc., proceeds benefited local charities, including the Covenant Soup Kitchen, Windham Area Interfaith Ministry, No Freeze Project, Horizons, Holy Family Home and Shelter, and Willimantic Downtown Neighborhood Association.
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- The Thread City Hop Fest, a food and craft beer tasting event, took place at Jillson Square Park in Willimantic on May 18.
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- Attendees enjoyed samples from more than 50 breweries, cideries and distilleries from throughout New England.
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- Brian Sayers, Thomas Hooker Brewery highlighting Thomas Hooker #smol New England IPA.
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- Ashley Thompson-Ridge and Emily Janell, The Finnish Long Drink.
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- Sean Juliano, Southern New England Sales Representative, Founders Brewing Co.
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- Berkshire Brewing Company’s Jason Taylor and Derrick Bovee.
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- John Kodis, Quiver Spirits showcasing Quiver Quince Fruit Spirit.
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- Kenny Corby and Mark Dasilba, Bad Sons Beer Co.
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- Both of Athletic Brewing Co./Reframe: Francis McGrath and Candice Delorm.
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- Sasha Bajjo, Connecticut Valley Brewing Company showcasing Connecticut Valley Old Main Street Vienna Lager and Spiked Smoothie Lemonade.
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- Will DeSousa highlighting Sun Cruiser Pink Lemonade.
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- Joe Toia, Downeast Cider House showcasing Downeast Unfiltered Craft Cider in Peach Mango.
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- Cassie Rollinson, Outer Light Brewing Company and Jessica Pratt, Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island.
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- Chris Gallagher, New England Brewing Co. highlighting New England Fuzzy Baby Ducks IPA.
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- Mike Esposito and Jaclyn Gunn, Counter Weight Brewing Co.
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- A pour of Forgotten Boardwalk Hard Seltzer.
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- A pour of craft beer.
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- The crowd at Willimantic’s Thread City Hop Fest on May 18.
Photos by Michael Leung.
