Beer, cider and cocoa around a bonfire — what could be more fitting for a central Kenai Peninsula winter?
This year’s Frozen RiverFest will have all of the above Saturday.
Shanon Davis, the executive director of the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, said the community and event sponsors are looking forward to the Frozen RiverFest after taking almost two years off because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We miss this event,” Davis said.
The last one was held in February 2020, just a few weeks before the pandemic upended most in-person activities.
Frozen RiverFest will be Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Soldotna Creek Park.
The event is a beer-tasting festival featuring the products of different breweries from across the state. This year, Davis said there are 15 breweries participating from the Matanuska-Susitna and Anchorage areas, as well as local brews from Cooper Landing and the central peninsula. There will also be coffee and hot cocoa provided for those not drinking beer.
Davis said the event has always been unique to Soldotna, and that it comes at a nice time of year when people are looking to gather in the winter. She said some years the Frozen RiverFest has been on days with subzero temperatures, but this weekend’s forecast is looking balmy, by Alaska standards.
“We are looking forward to some great weather this weekend,” she said.
There’s a chance of snow Saturday, with a high near 33 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
In addition to the drinks, Davis said there will be multiple live bands, food vendors and bonfires to keep the party alive all afternoon.
She said compared to some formal beer tasting events, the Frozen RiverFest is a family affair. People come to socialize and listen to music, not just drink.
“It’s a lot of fun, it’s a little bit more low-key,” Davis said, emphasizing that people are encouraged to bring their kids and other family members.
Those 21 years and older can purchase a drink ticket for $25, which comes with three 6-ounce beer tastings. Additional 6-ounce beer tokens are available for $3 each. Nondrinkers get into the festival for $5 and kids 12 years and under get free admission.
All photo IDs will be checked upon entry.
Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com/event/4560286.
