The lucky 13th annual Boonville Beer Festival turned into Boontstock this weekend as several inches of rain poured down on the Anderson Valley. The mud and rain didn’t seem to deter anyone, either from camping or going to the festival. I really thought the turnout would be lighter this year with the virtual certainty of rain all weekend. But from what I could see, this year’s festival was as well-attended as any, with festival-goes showing great ingenuity in their attempts to stay dry.

Normally, brewer’s table are right outside the Lamb Palace, but with the rain were moved inside.

Seems to say it all.

Huddled masses, yearning to drink free.

Even the Rolling Boil Blues Band was forced to move inside.

Anderson Valley’s brewmaster David Gatlin with owner Ken Allen.

A surprised Brian Hunt, from Moonlight Brewing.

Gabbi and Justine, the 21A Girls, while Shaun and Nico were elsewhere.

Brian Hunt showing off a hilarious statement on most beer in cans, though not 21st Amendment or the other two dozen or so craft breweries putting their good beer in cans.

Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo, from Russian River, with Rich Norgrove, from Bear Republic.

Butte Creek Brewing’s “Tap Man.”

Ken Allen, the festival’s sponsor, gets a first pour of Batch 2 of Russian River’s Supplication.

Which Vinnie poured until the bottle was empty.

While outside the rain continued to pour down.

But most people seemed prepared or else didn’t seem to be bothered by the rain.

Even at the two large tents of brewers in the far field most people stayed outside, rather than inside, the tents.

Tom Dalldorf, Celebrator publisher, with my wife Sarah, and our kids, Alice and Porter.

Back over at the Lamb Palace, it remained very crowded.

Where a narrow entrance made it a long wait just to get in out of the downpour.

Once inside, it was hard to move around, but at least you were dry.

Morgan Cox, from Ale Industries, in Concord.

Some displayed their fashion sense in rainwear.

While others huddled underneath the fairgrounds structures sitting on kegs.

This year’s festival was supposed to be a “pirate theme,” but only a few people were able to pull it off along with dressing for the wet conditions.

Brian Hunt, offering a final toast to this year’s Boontstock.
 

Bonus Photos
 

My daughter Alice was fascinated by the Anderson Valley Brewery horses, Zack and Max.

My son Porter practicing his goofy faces while showing me where he wanted me to make the campfire.