Carson pops top on a cold one

More than 300 beer aficionados sipped suds at the Brewery Arts Center annual beertasting Friday night.

The center's 11th celebration is the main fund-raiser for the year and was a must-attend, according to Mayor Ray Masayko.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said. "I left a steak fry for a hot dog, and don't forget the beer."

Madera, Calif., resident Ken Montgomery took a Friday off to come up for his son Brian's birthday. Brian, an Eagle Valley Middle School teacher turned 34 on Thursday.

"I'm having a great time," said Ken, who is a high school English and journalism professor.

More importantly, Ken Montgomery is a home brewer, who showed his appreciation for the displays put out by the brewers.

"All the beers I've tasted are of a high quality, the beers are all displayed from light to dark and the servers are very well schooled. That really speaks volumes to someone who knows beer."

John Childress is visiting his daughter in Carson City from Mexico.

"It looks like a lot of fun," he said.

Volunteer and past Brewery Arts Center president, John Walker was taking tickets at the door.

"This is a perfect night," he said. "The community is coming out for the evening."

Walker said the beer tasting worked thanks to all the volunteers.

"Brewery board members and volunteers worked all day to make this happen," he said. "And our beer distributors have been very gracious in their donations."

Board Executive Phil Caterino surveyed the number of people sitting on curbs and rocks along the Brewery's parking lot as he estimated the crowd.

"We had 150 chairs and I just see all the people sitting over there," he said.

He said the event is important not just for the money it raises, but also for the exposure the Brewery receives.

"The beer tasting lets everyone see what's going on inside the Brewery," he said. "There have been people who were here 25 years ago, whose grandchildren are involved in the BACstage kids today."

Tours of the former St. Teresa Catholic Church, now the Brewery's Performance Hall, were conducted during the course of the evening.

The Brewery, located at 449 W. King St., was built in 1864 and served as a brewery until 1947, where it was the home of Tahoe Beer. It was the home of the Nevada Appeal from 1950 to 1974. The Carson City Arts Alliance purchased the Brewery in 1976.

In addition to the beer distributors, food and prizes were donated for the raffle and the silent auction.

Caterino pointed out a Fleetwood Travel Trailer donated by Carson auto dealer Michael Hohl.