Beer lovers pack the Bushplane for some sudsy fun

It’s safe to say the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre was as full as it’s ever been on Saturday.

From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., this year’s Sault Ste. Marie Festival of Beer invited well over 1,200 locals inside its doors to sample from a seemingly endless variety of some of Ontario’s best craft brews.

Hundreds were already lined up at the museum’s front entrance before 1 p.m. as ticket sales went through the roof. Lineups outside remained lengthy throughout the day as the Bushplane couldn’t exceed its indoor capacity of 800 people.

The 10th annual festival witnessed 20 breweries from every corner of the province get involved this year, including new participating companies like Good Lot, Whiskey Jack, Rainhard, Matron, Whiprsnapr, Local, Trestle, Dominion City and Founders Original.

Returning favourites included Sleeping Giant, Full Beard, Lake of the Woods, Kingsville, Tuque de Broue, Underground, 46 North, Gateway City, Crafty Elk, and Sault Ste. Marie’s own Northern Superior.

Organized by Loplops owner Stephen Alexander, the Festival of Beer lucked out as the rain mostly held off throughout the afternoon, meaning attendees had the option to enjoy a cold one and socialize outside as well.

Live music was provided by local groups Hollow Heads, The Wyld Stallyns, and Bookclub.