Oracle Online

Summit’s Big Brew, which ran from noon to 10 p.m. on September 30, drew thousands of people to Harriet Island to commemorate the brewery’s 20th anniversary. The crowds came en masse to hear a variety of locally and internationally known bands, and enjoy the many varieties of Summit beer.

Headlined by Cake, the Big Brew veered away from the Oktoberfest, beer garden-like aura that one would expect from a fall festival, and instead centered on the music. Standout performances by locals The Alarmists, Tapes n’ Tapes, The Suburbs, and Soul Asylum ushered in a bit of Minnesota musical pride, and followed by Cake, the musical lineup was stellar.

Prices and wait times, on the other hand, were not nearly as enjoyable. It’s understandable to charge a higher price for a bill with multiple bands, and the $25 prepay/$32 door charge was reasonable. The charge covered admission only, leaving one to pay high prices on food, parking, and of course, beer.

If driving, one had likely spent close to $40 after merely getting inside the gates. Food and beverage tickets, sold in sets of 10 for $10, were required for all purchases from food vendors and two semi-trucks full of Summit beer. Specialty brews ran out early, and by the time the headlining band performed, only two of the six available varieties were in stock.

The largest drawbacks to the Big Brew, however, were the lines for restrooms and beverage purchases. At the busiest points of the day, queues stretched from the trucks at the sides of the venue, all across the park, forcing concertgoers to wait up to 20 minutes. Roughly two dozen bathrooms serviced the crowd of thousands, and in many cases caused long, uncomfortable waiting.

To Summit’s credit, the bands did not disappoint, in spite of the commercial atmosphere at the venue. The bands were wisely chosen for a great listening experience, local connection, and a laid-back vibe; the music was conducive to lying on the grass and enjoying the day.
With all the respect Summit has earned over the past two decades for their renowned beer and social awareness, its anniversary party was a bit mismanaged. If held again, perhaps the company will be more relaxed with profit-making, but more importantly, consider the biological reaction their product invokes.