Boise's littlest beer fest

Boise's attempt to hold not one, but two craft beer festivals almost fell completely apart this spring. The organizers weren't completely clear, but apparently their plans to hold a beer fest downtown couldn't come together quickly enough through the city for it to happen this month. Awkward, when you're already selling tickets for such an event.

So, Brewforia did the next best thing and set it up in its backyard.

Also, in the backyard of a spa.

Now, mind you, the annual beer festival in August is held in a park. A large park. With lots of room to sprawl. Brewforia, in turn, is in a little shopping center area at the corner of two busy roads.

But somehow, it worked. A ton of Northwest brewers, small and large, got ale there (including Sun Valley Brewing!). There was one well-used food cart, and though attendance seemed perhaps a little light, for the space things were still pretty well packed.

And it only took about half a minute to refill your cup. That's a lot of beer.

For the price it was a fun time. I got to try an IPA from a promising new Treasure Valley brewery, a terrible imperial stout (though I didn't jot down who brewed it, so that'll be fun to buy accidentally) and a brilliant drunk-food sandwich made by putting a burger between two grilled-cheese sandwiches. All in all, a successful afternoon.

So... Like I said, this was only one of two fests this year. Who's up for August?