The first Raley Field Brewfest was put on by the Northern California Brewer’s Guild in an effort to raise funds for the fledgling organization. It was a good first fest at a great setting with perfect weather, especially for Sacramento. Because it was a festival by brewers for their own benefit, attendance was better than usual for a first-time event, and there were several breweries who rarely make an appearance at festivals, which made it more interesting than ones with only the usual suspects.

The first festival thrown by the Northern California Brewer’s Guild was held at Raley Field, the home of the minor league baseball team, the Sacramento River Cats.

From the festival site, we had a lovely view across the diamond to downtown Sacramento.

Above the shops and concession stands that ringed the perimeter were these three-dimensional statues jutting out from the facades. This one of a boy with his ice cream and Dad with a beer I found interesting.

Arne Johnson, from Marin Brewing.

The brewers were set up in alphabetical order around the upper deck walkway.

The gang from Drake’s.

Where Drake’s brewer Melissa Myers served festival-goers.

Peter Hoey, from Sacramento Brewing, and Steve Altimari, from Valley Brewing.

Gabby and Justine manning the 21st Amendment tent.

The Bison Brewing booth.

Brian Ford, former brewer at Beermann’s, is finally opening his new venture, Auburn Alehouse Brewery & Restaurant, and two terrific beers on hand, a mild and an IPA. His new brewery is expected to open around June 1.

Tom Dalldorf and the Rolling Boil Blues Band entertained the crowd.

Brian Ford with Glynn Phillips, owner of Rubicon and the festival organizer.

This hilarious sign warned us to be careful as we left the ballpark at the end of the festival.