A recent book fair hosted at a local brewery in Illinois drew a large crowd, exceeding event planners' expectations with its high turnout.
Dubbed the Boozy Book Fair, the event was held at Pig Minds Brewing Co. It was overseen by Nicole Owens, the brewery's event coordinator. Despite being her inaugural event organization for the brewery, it proved immensely successful. The fair was marketed as 'just like your old-school book fair but with beer.'
Before the fair commenced, individuals were already queuing up outside the brewery, eager to participate. The parking area rapidly reached total capacity, prompting some attendees to park on the street. Owens expressed astonishment at the immense turnout, attributing it to the event's significant traction on Facebook, which resulted in a larger audience than anticipated. Over 12 vendors, including local bookstores and authors, arranged booths at the fair.
One Facebook commenter shared his experience of attempting to visit the event but could not find parking. Despite their disappointment at not being able to attend, they were impressed by the high turnout at the event.
Attendees could browse a wide selection of books while enjoying a drink from the brewery. Local authors like Jennifer N. Lloyd and Adam Al-Sirgany expressed their appreciation for events like this, which provide a platform for authors to showcase their work and connect with readers. Several bookstores, including Inkwell Books & Threads, Maze Bookstore, and Drewelow's House of Books, have been confirmed for the event.
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Pig Minds Brewing Co. earned recognition as one of the top brewpubs in the United States, securing the 8th spot on USA Today's 10 Best Brewpubs Readers' Choice list. Co-owner Brian Endl expressed excitement about the nomination and noted the enjoyment of watching the voting process, highlighting the significance of the acknowledgment.
The brewpub boasts over a dozen house beers on tap, featuring unique brews like Blackberry Hogwash Cobbler, Drunken Rook, and Death Grip West Coast IPA. In 2020, Pig Minds underwent a substantial 9,000-square-foot expansion, introducing a wood-fired pizza oven and increasing its total square footage to 13,500 square feet.
Established 12 years ago by Brian and Kelly Endl, Pig Minds attracts patrons from beyond Rockford, functioning as a brewpub, entertainment venue, event space, and restaurant with a distinct regional allure. Notably, their 100% plant-based menu draws visitors from markets in Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, and even the eastern end of Iowa. This vegan menu, crafted by Brian and Kelly, caters to a wide range of tastes, offering traditional bar fare like burgers, Reubens, and grilled cheese sandwiches alongside innovative vegan options.
Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin emphasized that everything served at Pig Minds is vegan, addressing the misconception that most beer is inherently vegan due to additives like stabilizers and natural flavorings. Despite this, Coughlin expressed confidence in Pig Minds' ability to compete in the brewery scene, citing their diverse offerings, including two kitchens with options ranging from pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven to burgers, nachos, and sandwiches. She believed their innovative approach sets them apart and positions them as strong contenders in the industry.
Beyond the culinary experience, Pig Minds offers a unique atmosphere within a Machesney Park industrial park. Despite its unconventional location, the brewpub comes alive after sunset, especially during warmer months, with two outdoor patios hosting live music events on weekends.
Residents like Kathy Cassioppi commended Pig Minds for its visionary approach to vegan brewing and dining. Over the years, thousands of positive reviews echo sentiments of surprise at the quality of the vegan offerings and praise for the excellent customer service.
Due to the Boozy Book Fair's success, Owens suggested hosting another one later. Those interested are advised to keep an eye on the brewery's Facebook page for future event announcements.
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