Dan Thumberg News Today

By James Coulter Brandon Bauer has been visiting Swan Brewing for quite some time. This year was not only his first attending the annual Swantoberfest event but also participating in the stein-holding contest on Saturday afternoon. Brandon competed alongside nearly a dozen other contestants as they all did their best…

The event, which started in 2019 with 19 vendors, has grown to more than 80 product vendors and nine food trucks this year. Not to mention bands.

The tourism marketing agency said its goal is to get visitors and residents to experience all that Polk County has to offer outside of nearby theme parks.

The hope is that Florida hops will have a completely different flavor and aroma profile than any other varietal.

Florida has 368 craft breweries where new liquid delights are being tapped and consumed at establishments from Polk County to Tampa Bay and beyond.