Raise a glass and get ready to toast the town of Manheim as the Manheim Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the second annual Baron Brew Fest. The event will be held on Saturday, May 18, from 3 to 6 p.m. in Market Square. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, March 1.

"Expect something a bit different from other fests you've attended," said Kristie Schmid, executive director of the Chamber. "Our Market Square is the perfect backdrop, the vibe is fun and easygoing and there's something for everyone - beer, wine, cider, mead, spirits, hard tea, hard kombucha."

Tickets will entitle attendees to enjoy samples from vendors, who will also have their products available to purchase. "You can make those purchases as you make your way through the fest and then pick them up at our bottle check on the way out," Schmid said.

Confirmed vendors include Artifice Ales & Mead, Bespoke Brewing, Glasshouse Wineworks, Lititz Homebrewers Cooperative, Mad Chef Craft Brewing, Spring House Brewing Company and Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery. Schmid noted that 35 vendors participated last year, and she's hoping for even more this year. A full list of participating vendors can be found at https://lovemanheim.com/brewfest.

Proceeds from the Baron Brew Fest will be used to fund Chamber operations throughout the year, providing programs and events for the community.

"The Chamber relies on one large event-driven fundraiser each year," Schmid explained. For many years, the Chamber held a Rock-N-Glow event, but after the pandemic, the organization decided to try something new. "Local brew fests were popping up, and we thought it would be a great way to showcase the revitalization in Manheim," she stated. "Our goal for last year was to sell 250 tickets. We sold 800."

Vendor applications are still being accepted for the Baron Brew Fest, and more information can be found at the aforementioned website.

Schmid encourages people to purchase tickets early for the event, noting that it sold out quickly last year.

"If you haven't been to Manheim in a while, you may be surprised at what you find," she said. "Come out early in the day and visit our shops or stay after the fest and enjoy drinks at one of our local establishments."

To purchase tickets for the Baron Brew Fest, visit http://tinyurl.com/3mus8fvx or search for "The Baron Brew Fest" on Eventbrite.