The sixth annual event drew thousands of attendees to Nathan Benderson Park.
By
Pam Eubanks
| 6:04 p.m. October 8, 2016
East County
Neighbors
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Brewed Life’s sixth annual Beer, Boats and Bacon Festival Oct. 8, at Nathan Benderson Park, featured bacon-centric dishes from local restaurants and caterers, and beer samplings of more than 60 craft beers from local or other world renowned breweries.
Attendees also enjoyed live music by bands throughout the day, as well as opportunities to try canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding on the lake.
James Haag serves four varieties of IPAs and wheat ales on behalf of Oak and Stone restaurant.
Anna Encarnacion serves up bacon-fried Oreos and other dishes from Nico's Kitchen.
Jon and Stephanie Camp, of Sarasota, came with their daughter, Hazel, 1.
Amy Bell, of Mill Creek, and Erinn Siemer, of Lakewood Ranch, enjoyed the variety of beers offered at the festival.
Holly and Ray Jansen brought their dogs, Raleigh and Indy, all the way from Tampa.
Charlie Searls, Ryan Henderson and Danbee Choi, of Sarasota, started their tastings with a Scottish ale and a blonde ale.
Matt Barber, of North Port, is disappointed with his aim during a beer pong-style game for prizes.
East County's Pearl Morris and Bradenton's Amanda Timko work together.
Brian Neskil and Judy Brown, both of Sarasota, say the event is a unique concept.
"It's fun," said Caroline Deluca, with Brandon Sikkenga, of Sarasota. It was her first time to attend.
Kristina Gould, of Sarasota, brings her dog, Snook.
Chad Ciaravella hangs out with Lakewood Ranch's Jason, Juliana and Page Armstrong, and his fiance, Lori Hagey.
Vincent Lee, of North Port, knows friend Brenda Morris, of Parrish, through a mutual friend.
Jaclyn Stout and Anthony Raskow, of Sarasota, take a seat for live music.
One-year-old Gabriela Jorge eagerly awaits a bit of slushy from her father, Jonatan Jorge, as her mom, Quinn, left, and friend Brigid Davidson, behind, watches.
Rawley Ryckman, of Sarasota, finds a shady spot with her son, Tyler, 7 months.
Marleigh Taylor, 2, of Sarasota, splashes in the lake with her brother, Drake.
Nataly Solis, of Land O' Lakes, learns how to paddle board.
Bob Davidson, of Sarasota, joins his granddaughter, Kerry Fort, and her husband, Shaun Fort, of Parrish.
Attendees could try canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding.
Lee Cagalotti, owner and chef of The Ravenous Rhino, serves up prime rib sliders and other specialties.
Shelley Morgan calls out and hands out orders to customers visiting The Ravenous Rhino.
Lakewood Ranch's Kristi Ford tries pulled pork and baked beans from TK Grill with friend Myhanh Kaas, of Sarasota.
My Cupcake Insanity brought bacon-maple cupcakes and other treats.
Alex Janotti, of Bradenton, samples a beer a friend brought for her.
Taylor Carrano pours Budweiser for customers desiring a more standard brew.
Guests enjoyed traditional brews on tap, in addition to craft beers.
Das Funk Haus warms up the crowd.
GreyHawk Landing residents Ed and Michelle Weight called the event "awesome."
