As we enter the new year and the weather gets colder, the city of Ellensburg seems to slow down. During the winter, it may not seem like there are a lot of exciting things happening. For the last 15 years, the city of Ellensburg and the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce has put on the Winterhop Brewfest in downtown Ellensburg. The event kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 19, at noon. Jarred Fudacz, director of events at the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, has been in charge of Winterhop Brewfest for the last five years.

“We have no problem selling tickets,” Fudacz said. “We sell 1,700 tickets and sell out every year.”

The ticket price is $40, for which you receive a wristband, a tasting glass and a five scrip.  

“The event is currently sold out, as this is one of the most popular events of the entire year for the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce.” Fudacz said.

The money received from Winterhop goes toward the programs that the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce offers. The money will go to tourism, member services and economic development.

The Brewfest brings in people from all over Washington. The average age range for attendance is about 45 to 65 years, so not so surprisingly you will not see many CWU students coming out.

The Winterhop Brewfest brings in many different breweries from all over the state of Washington.

“The beers are all different and provide a good mix for everyone’s different tastes. Cider has become a popular choice and some breweries carry gluten free beer,”  Fudacz said.

You may recognize some familiar names like Iron Horse and Whipsaw that are attending Winterhop Brewfest. Both of these breweries are based here in Ellensburg.

Whipsaw is owned by Debbie Tierney.

“It is an absolute blast. We have so much fun, beer is what brings people together,” Tierney said, as she described her experience with the last three years at Winterhop.

Whipsaw will serve their two flagship beers, “Buzz on Blackberry” and “Stumpblower IPA,” at the festival.

The brewery has been to many other brewing events in the area, including Mountain Ale Fest, Eastern Washington brewfest and several others on the West Side.

“This is how we get our name out,” Tierney said.

Many vendors help make Winterhop happen. Matt Armstrong is one of three co-owners of Dark Moon Craft Beer in downtown Ellensburg.

“It is nice being a venue holder because it gives us publicity and still get to help with an amazing event,” Armstrong said. “It’s hard not to have fun at a beer event.”

Other vendors participating in the event include Royal Sports Bar, The Recycle Shop, and Troutwater Fly Shop.