It’s about the beer

Posted by Rich Schwartzman on February 23, 2025

It's about the beer.

Winterfest may be a fundraiser for Kennett Collaborative, but for visitors it’s all about the beer, and maybe some food trucks.

Case in point, Sean Wills from Exton said, “It’s the best beer festival in the area.”

Sean Wills of Exton says Winterfest is the best beer festival in the area.

Saturday’s event was his third Winterfest, and he’s also attended four Kennett Brewfests.

Wills wasn’t alone. Matt Jenkins came in from Kirkwood in Lancaster County to enjoy the day. Why did he make the trip?

“For the beers and good times and food trucks,” he said. “We’ve been coming for a few years now.”

And it’s those good times that has people coming back. For Kennett Collaborative, that’s a good thing.

Daniel Embree, the executive director of Kennett Collaborative, called Winterfest “the little sister of the Brewfest held in October.”

He said Winterfest is a great fundraiser for the collaborative’s other programs, such as the Memorial Day Parade, Christmas Holiday decorations, and the Kennett Farmer’s Market.

This year’s there were 60 breweries represented plus there was also a non-alcohol option, which Embree said is the fastest growing option in the drink industry. Local breweries included Braeloch Brewing and Victory Brewing Co., both from Kennett Square. Out of state breweries were on hand as well, such as Cape May Brewing of New Jersey and Big Oyster Brewing out of Lewes, Del.

Non-alcoholic beers were supplied by some top brands like Athletic Brewing, Guinness, and Sierra Nevada in addition to the signature zero-proof mocktail provided by the event’s designated driver sponsor, Chatham Financial.

There was also live music provided by groups All the Living and the Dead, and It’s About the People.

Above all, Winterfest is about having some fun. As Event Coordinator Mary Lou Bailey said in an earlier press release, “Winterfest is about creating memories, welcoming everyone, and having fun together.”

All the Living and the Dead play during Winterfest.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.