Lots of people got in, lots (for the most part) didn’t.

First things first. The Beavertown team did a fantastic job in putting this together. In ingratiating the wealth of breweries and, as importantly, attracting the army of volunteers that had a collective, infallible, enthusiasm that failed to wane throughout.

The brewery has recently undergone a revamp of its taproom area, while its brewery and warehousing space has changed owing to, in part, expansion through the installation of new FVs.

These changes, coupled with outdoor marquees, enabled the brewery to run a birthday bash that made the most of its space available.

But still, queues for beer, food and bathrooms were chaotic. And lots of people didn’t get a chance to take part in the celebrations.

I hazard a guess that a good chunk of those attending knew what to expect, though. Yes, many were left disappointed, but had more been let in during peak time, the already busy tents and amenities would have been stretched further. The brewery’s founder, Logan Plant, has already acknowledged that such decisions needed to be made, and that it was a wrench to do so.

What’s worth noting is that this regret was not issued from some ivory tower, either. Logan, head brewer Jenn, designer Nick, and everyone in-between were kept busy throughout, mucking in and ensuring everything ran as well as possible.

The brewery, and this event, was a victim of its own success. Isn’t that often the way, though?

But it should be championed that it can attract so many people wanting to drink great beer on a cold, wet and windy February afternoon, too.

Those involved, especially the volunteers, made it a great event and was one to remember. I applaud them for it and the next one will be even better, I’m sure.

Happy Birthday Beavertown. Keep up the good work.