Gorge Guide

Mark your calendars now because summer has arrived and there is so much to look forward to! Since 1993, the signature summer event for Stevenson, Washington has been Gorge Blues & Brews Festival (previously known as Brews Blues & BBQs), traditionally held the Saturday after Father’s Day each year. This rollicking opener to the season will continue Friday and Saturday, June 22 and 23, 2012 at the Skamania County Fairgrounds in Stevenson.

The news in 2012 is that due to Washington State Liquor Control Board laws, the festival will now be open to those 21 years and older only. No minors will be allowed on the festival grounds.

Purchase your tickets on-line at www.gorgebluesandbrews.com and receive four free drink tokens. Or buy in advance at the Skamania County Chamber office and receive four complimentary tokens also.

The weekend gets kicked off Friday night, June 22, when we celebrate all things local. Stevenson’s hometown brewery, Walking Man, will be pouring and the infamous Eagles burgers will be grilling. Enjoy free admission on Friday night from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Mystic Mojo starts the show followed by The Rich Wilkins Blues Band. Camping is available onsite so plan to come early and stay late. Campsites can be reserved in advance via http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/238993.

The sun will shine as we open the gates at noon on Saturday, June 23. Live music continues all day and on into the evening until 10:00 p.m. Main act entertainment on the Riverview Community Bank Stage includes Lisa Mann and Her Really Good Band featuring Rae Gordon, Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes and culminates with headliner Curtis Salgado. In between each band’s set, local musicians and bands will perform.

It is a well known fact that the best brews in the Northwest can be sampled at this festival so choose carefully – you will run out of room long before you run out of choices. Walking Man, Full Sail, Everybody’s Brewing, Double Mountain, Big Horse, Ninkasi, Coalition, Dicks and Amnesia breweries will all be on tap, just to name a few. If it is wine that you prefer, Wind River Cellars, Garnier Vineyards, Springhouse Cellars, Viento and more will be pouring.

Along with our traditional summertime barbecue entrees, we will have a multitude of phenomenal flavors to mix and match with your beverages including Delicious Deb’s shaved ice and espresso, brownies, Brat Haus for its savory sausage and kraut, Nellie’s Pies and even wood-oven fired pizzas from Solstice! Gorge Blues & Brews Festival is organized by the Stevenson Business Association. Sponsors include Riverview Community Bank, Skamania Lodge, Timberlake Campground & RV Park, Skamania County and the City of Stevenson. Volunteers are still needed so call 509-427-8911 or e-mail info@skamania.org to schedule a two-hour shift now. Volunteer positions include pouring beer or wine or cashiering and gain you free admission, five drink tokens and our undying gratitude. Proceeds will benefit Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP). WAGAP provides support in Skamania County through emergency housing, home energy assistance, food banks and nutrition, children’s advocacy, domestic violence programs and much more.

Join us. The 19th Annual Gorge Blues & Brews Festival. On the waterfront at the Skamania County Fairgrounds in Stevenson, Washington, right in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, just 45 minutes east of Portland/Vancouver. Friday, June 22, 2012 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 23, 2012, 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Admission is $15.00 per person and includes a commemorative beer or wine glass. Drink tokens are available for purchase at $1.00 each for tasting or to fill your glass. Cash only will be accepted at the gate with two ATMs available on the festival grounds. Purchase advance tickets on-line and eliminate waiting in line at the event. For more details, visit www.gorgebluesandbrews.com or call 800-989-9178. For camping information, call Skamania County Facilities and Recreation at 509-427-3980. No coolers or dogs on the festival grounds please.  

509-427-8911 or 800-989-9178.
http://www.gorgebluesandbrews.com