Rancho BEERnardo Festival expands offerings with mocktails

The Rancho BEERnardo Festival is returning for the 14th year with a new addition to the beverage offerings — mocktails.

“Mocktails are brand new for the event,” said Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotarian Jean Larsen, who is co-chairing the festival with Laura Mello and Ron Bas. “There will be specialty drinks. This allows people who don’t drink (alcohol) another option.”

The mocktails will be provided by Monday Morning Bottleshop in Pacific Beach.

The 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 event in Webb Park will also include more oversized games, such as Connect Four, to the previous offerings of cornhole and giant Jenga, Larsen said. Two free photo booths have also been added this year.

As for entertainment, the band Par Avian will be “back by popular demand,” but added to the event will be The Rubber Band, which consists of several men who live in RB’s Westwood neighborhood, Larsen said.

“This is a ‘dad’ band, which started in someone’s garage and plays great music,” she said.

When the Rotarians recently checked out one of the band’s performances in a Westwood cul-de-sac, Larsen said they had to park several blocks away because of the crowd that gathered to hear the musicians play.

“They played The Beatles, Eagles and other wonderful stuff, including Lady Gaga,” she said. “They’re really good.”

The Rubber Band will perform first, slated for 1 to 2:45 p.m. Par Avian will be on the event’s stage from 3 to 5 p.m.

“Par Avian plays a variety of instrumental music, from beach to surf, Latin, salsa and reggae,” Larsen said.

Of course, the festival’s main attraction for the expected 680 to 725 attendees is the alcoholic beverages, which is why it’s a 21-and-older event.

As of press time, those confirmed to serve beer were AleSmith Brewing Company, Barley and Sword Brewing Company, Brewery X, Brewjeria Company, Burgeon Beer Company, Cervesa XTECA, Coronado Brewing Company, Eppig Brewing, Fieldwork Brewing, Harland Brewing Co., Insurgente (Tijuana), Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company, Lost Abbey, Mash Heads, Mason Ale Works, Mike Hess Brewing, Pure Project, Quaff, SD Taproom and Societe Brewing.

Those bringing wine are Bastian’s Vineyards, Barrel Riot, Koi Zen Cellars and UVAS Winery. The “spirits and more” will be provided by Blowfish Tequila, CaliFino Tequila, Castellum Ciders, Classic Beverage, Dr. Boochart’s Hard Kombucha, Lost Cause Meadery, Son Vodka, Turquoise Barn Cider and Vodker.

Larsen said several other companies have been requested and she anticipates some of them will confirm their attendance in the coming weeks.

Food will be provided by Duffs Doggz, Tony’s Pepperoni Pizzeria and Mama V’s Lumpia.

The purpose of the festival is to raise money for the Rotarians’ philanthropic endeavors, which include many local projects and support of area organizations along with causes around the world promoted by Rotary International, Larsen said.

“We have an exceptional following of attendees who have been joining us each year since our event’s founding 14 years ago,” said RB Sunrise Rotary President Kim Varey. “From the event proceeds, we are able to make a real and positive difference for others through generous grants.”

Larsen said the club’s goal is to be able to fund more than $100,000 in grants during the year. One she mentioned was the club’s sponsorship of a horse at Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center in Poway.

“It is important we give back to organizations in the local area where we receive the funds since this is where we are living, working and playing,” Larsen said. “The vast majority goes to local and regional nonprofits.”

Other local beneficiaries include Scout troops, Feeding San Diego, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Poway Center for the Performing Arts, Poway Robotics, Rancho Bernardo Historical Society, Rancho Bernardo’s Spirit of the Fourth, Solutions for Change and Toys for Tots.

Poway Unified School District benefits in several ways. For example, the Rotarians support Interact, music competitions, a four-way speech competition and a holiday craft fair at Valley Elementary. It also supports the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards given to many Poway Unified students and the Rancho Bernardo Gridiron – Men of Character program.

International projects include Free Wheelchair Mission, medical training in Ghana, Project Mercy, Thousand Smiles and Rotary’s Peace Scholar and Polio Plus programs.

Tickets to the Rancho BEERnardo Festival are $65 per person for general admission, which includes admission, unlimited 2-ounce pours and local wines, food for purchase, free parking, entertainment and a tasting glass.

The designated driver admission ticket is $10. A meal ticket is also $10.

Those who want to enter early, at 1 p.m., can pay $90 for a VIP ticket. They receive all included with general admission plus separate reserved seats, preferred parking, a tasting lanyard with a special koozie (an event favorite that holds the tasting glass) and a food ticket for any of the food vendors.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at rbfest.com or at the event. No children or pets can be admitted.

Webb Park is at 16826 Bernardo Center Drive in Rancho Bernardo.