Let me start with my review synopsis first – the 4th Annual OC Brew Ha Ha was fantastic fun and expertly organized and run. 

Now for the details of my experience.  My “Beer Bros” and I had purchased VIP tickets on-line to the OC Brew Ha Ha and we arrived early (about 11am).  Energetic parking attendants greeted us and directed us to our parking spot.  Parking was fast and easy and our early arrival gave us a very convenient parking spot.

Since the Brew Ha Ha event didn’t start until noon for VIP ticket holders (and 1pm for regular ticket holders), the VIP early arrivals were checked-in and entered a holding area that included live music, Stone Brewery beer, a few overhead water spray misters, as well as free cold water and water bottles.  The day was extremely hot so the abundance of free water during all of the event was well-planned and essential.  The opening salutation was given by Stone Brewing’s Craft Beer Ambassador, “Dr.” Bill Sysak.  He noted that there are about 2700 craft breweries in the United States now, with about 76 in San Diego County and over a dozen in Orange County.

The gate opened at noon and entry to the event was speedy – especially since we had already been checked-in.  Over 70 breweries participated in this event with over 175 craft and import beer products served, so where to start?  I had developed the following personal criteria: (1) find exciting breweries that I was not familiar with; (2) seek beers that I had not tried but that had outstanding review ratings; or (3) seek breweries that happened to be along a path planned for my next vacation and determine if they were worth a visit.  I also needed to factor in the sampling desires of my “Beer Bros”, who have often led me in great directions that I may not have otherwise considered.

Most breweries had a 10′ x 10′ open tent (I saw a few 10′ x 20′ tent setups).  The beer sampling lines were brisk all day even when the event was full.  I really can’t remember ever standing behind more than about 3 or 4 people or waiting more than a couple of minutes to get a beer sample.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The park was lined with shade trees.  Islands of orange igloo containers filled with iced water dotted the park at well-spaced intervals.

 

 

There were interesting sights such as a sail plane art sculpture and a line of motorcycles driven in by the local firefighters union.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The OC Brew Ha Ha event raises thousands of dollars for the Fallen Fire Fighters Relief Fund, a non-profit organization that aids surviving spouses and children of Orange County Firefighters lost in the line-of-duty.  Local firefighters performed as volunteers to serve beer and support the event.  These firefighters were the true ambassadors of this event and a major reason for the OC Brew Ha Ha’s overall success.

After visiting a few breweries, we had lunch.  Thirteen or more food vendors lined the park.  I opted for Slaters 50/50, who was selling one-fourth of a very large burger for $2.  The burger was the best I’ve had in a long time.  After two-fourths of a burger, I was food-filled for the day.  Rows of picnic tables in the shade made eating easy and comfortable.

Game areas were scattered throughout the park.  I remember seeing sack toss and giant Jenga.

In another area, live music played on stage via the Red Bull Tour Bus and presented by The Slidebar Rock-n-Roll Kitchen.  Bands included The Creepers and Reel Big Fish.  Shaded picnic tables and wooden stadium benches meant you could sit, relax, drink a beer, and listen to the music.

 

Special event speakers included Greg Koch (CEO & co-Founder of Stone Brewing Co.), David Walker (co-Founder of Firestone Walker Brewing), and Ed Heethuis (Ritual Brewing Co. and column author of Beer Behind the Orange Curtain).  I have to be honest and say that I missed these speakers as I was out sampling beer.  Among other things, that meant I missed out on the free serving of Firestone Walker’s §ucaba while David Walker was speaking.  🙁

Overall, my buddies and I sampled lots of tasty brews.  Our favorite “new find breweries” of the day were Ritual Brewing and the newly started Wicks Brewing.  I’m looking forward to visiting Ritual and Wicks soon for a more focused experience.

 

It was clear that the OC Brew Ha Ha organizers put a lot of thought into the end of the event and getting people home responsibly and safely.  Taxi and limo services were readily available.  Cars could be left in the parking lot overnight.  Designated drivers could easily enter to pick up passengers.  In the case of me and my buddies, we drove up and our wives drove up at the end of the day to pick us and the car up.

Overall, the day was filled with some great beer, good food, rockin’ music, and lots of fun that benefited the Fallen Fire Fighters Relief Fund.  Thanks OC Brew Ha Ha for your thoughtful planning and great implementation!

A big thanks also to the “Beer Bros” wives who encouraged our attendance and picked us up.

What more could you ask for?  The sunset that greeted me when I got home.