By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

When Billi Lynn and Tux Burke heard there was a possibility that the Maine Lakes Brewfest could be canceled, they decided it was “time to come home.”

With the popular Brewfest set to celebrate its 20th year, it seems somewhat fitting that the two driving forces in starting the Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce fundraiser are back behind the wheel.

“It really bothered us that it wasn’t going to happen,” Billi Lynn said. “We couldn’t let it happen, so it was time to come home (to the Chamber) and make sure the Brewfest continues.”

The Brewfest takes place this Saturday, Sept. 28 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Ham Complex, located off BRAG Way (just off Route 302). The event features 20-plus brewers, food vendors and live music.

Tickets are $35 ($10 for non-drinkers) and can be purchased at MaineLakesBrewfest.com or at the gate. This is a 21-plus event, IDs required. There is a $10 fee for parking with proceeds benefitting the Ham Complex.

Terms: No refunds, no backpacks, no coolers, and no outside food or drinks.

With the Chamber currently in a state of administrative transition, the Burkes took charge of the Brewfest with just six weeks to work with. Although days have been hectic trying to pull all the pieces together, the Burkes say it feels like two decades ago when they and then executive director Mike McClellan and local brewer Mike Bray first brainstormed on how to bring a brewers’ festival to the region as a major fundraiser for the Chamber.

“We had just opened our real estate office and hadn’t been there a week when the Chamber’s executive director (McClellan) came bouncing into our office and asked to become a member. I said ‘sure,’ and he then asked, ‘How about being on our board?’ I said okay,” Billi Lynn recalled. “He said the reason he came to us was he was trying to get an event together.”

Billi Lynn brought her “organizational skills” to the table, while Tux had entertainment connections.

The first Brewfest was held at Casco Days Park, and about 300 people attended.

“We had one person playing the violin and the only people who worked it were my husband, myself, our kids and our office staff,” Billi Lynn said. “We were the volunteers. We were the security.You name it, we did it.”

After a second Brewfest in Casco saw a big jump in attendance from 300 to 700, the decision was made to move the event to Point Sebago. The change of venue significantly pushed the attendance needle from 700 to 1200. Then, 1500 people came. The next year, attendance climbed to 2,100. The final year the Burkes worked the Brewfest the figure reached 2,900 people and over 30 brewers.

The event provided a solid financial shot in the arm for the Chamber. Tux was able to draw bands, who played for free, to the Brewfest while the list of vendors wanting to take part kept growing.

“The date was perfect, the last Saturday just before Fryeburg Fair starts. There was a lot of positive energy,” the couple said.

The couple had developed a playbook for the Brewfest, and passed it along to the next group of organizers.

“They had all the tools to keep the bus running,” said Billi Lynn, noting that she resigned from the Chamber when she faced a major health crisis. “The foundation was in place.”

Recently, Chamber decided to move the Brewfest from Point Sebago to the Ham Complex in Bridgton. Since assuming the Brewfest lead, the Burkes have spent time marketing the event using social media and signage. They’ve lined up Carbon 14 to entertain. Some brewers will unveil new suds. A few food truck vendors backed out due to scheduling conflicts (some plan to work the Fryeburg Fair and had to report there on Friday, leaving no real time to set up and work the Brewfest, while others committed to Music on Main, which holds its monthly free concert the same day, lack the manpower to take on two events). Volunteers are ready. They’ve received strong financial support from sponsors like Dave Allenson of UFO (Umbrella Factory Outlet) in Naples. Even the weather looks very promising.

“I’m excited that we are both back doing this for the 20^th anniversary. If we do it right, which I know we will, this will be a great event,” Billi Lynn added. “There weren’t really any challenges. It’s just blood, sweat and tears. We show up, do our job and make it a fun day.”