OC Brew Ha Ha 2011 – Recap and Pics

Hidden Valley Park in Irvine, California was the location for the 2nd Annual OC Brew Ha Ha craft beer festival on Saturday, September 10, 2011. The day started with cloudy skies and some scattered rain, but the weather cleared in time for the event.

More than 50 breweries from Orange County and across the country were scattered throughout the park. Using those taster tickets was a challenge with over 100 craft beers to choose from in a variety of styles.

Local beer experts and breweries presented seminars with specialized beer tasting throughout the afternoon. VIP session attendees who entered the event an hour early could attend a special session with Dr. Bill Sysak from Stone Brewing. The OC Beer Society again sponsored Beer Geek Island, a bottle share held on a small island at the edge of the lake. OC Beer Society members were invited to donate beer, which allowed them on the island for the bottle share.

The event was more than just craft beer. There were plenty of other things to enjoy including live music, unlimited soft drinks and water, local food trucks and vendors, and even a carnival ride for the daring.

OC Brew Ha Ha donated a portion of the proceeds from the event to the Fallen Fire Fighters Relief Fund, a non-profit organization that aids families of Orange County Fire Fighters lost in the line-of-duty. Representatives from the Local 3631 Firefighters Union were seen throughout the park and in many of the booths pouring beer and showing their support.