It's no secret that deer and beer go great together.
So throw in some live entertainment, and let the combination of freshly prepared venison and a selection of handcrafted beers be the perfect ending to your day at the eighth annual Alleghenies Adventure Outdoor Show, sponsored by the Altoona Mirror.
The Deer 'N Beer event will take place at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Blair County Convention Center Trophy Lounge. Tickets purchased in advance are $15 per person and $25 per couple, and $20 per person at the door, if available.
Article Photos
Mirror file photo
Bill Kroft, head brewer for Marzoni’s Brick Oven & Brewing Co. in Duncansville, fills a pitcher with beer from Marzoni’s during last year’s Deer ‘N Beer Event at Blair County Convention Center.
The event was added to the annual Outdoor Show last year as a "fun new twist," said Altoona Mirror marketing manager Amy Hanna.
"We thought this would be an ideal opportunity to showcase a fun, lively event at the end of the night," she added.
Because of the great reviews, a second night was added to the Deer 'N Beer event this year, as well as two prominent local bands, with The House Band playing Friday and Felix and The Hurricanes performing Saturday.
Fact Box
If you go
What: Deer 'N Beer Event, part of the Alleghenies Adventure Outdoor Show
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: Blair County Convention Center Trophy Lounge
Details: Tickets purchased in advance are $15 per person and $25 per couple, and $20 per person at the door, if available. They can be purchased by phone at 800-222-1962, online at hfs.altoona mirror.com or at the Altoona Mirror office, 301 Cayuga Ave., Altoona. You must be 21 years old to purchase tickets or attend. This is a sampling event.
Tom Rhodes, guitarist for The House Band, said the event is a wonderful way to showcase local talent.
"We are definitely excited about this," he said. "We're hoping all of our friends and fans come out to see all of the wonderful exhibits and taste the fine food. There's nothing like venison and beer."
Rhodes added that The House Band plans to entertain the audience with a variety of music on Friday night, from light dinner music to rock and roll.
"Whatever you want to hear, I'm sure we'll be able to cover the event and make everyone happy," he said.
Despite the local performers, the food at the Deer 'N Beer event will still be the star of the show. Venison will be prepared in three different sauces by Convention Center chef Michael Ferrari.
"We wanted to take one of the main attractions [of the show], which is venison, and prepare it in delicious ways," Hanna said. "People can taste and enjoy the fruit of their sport."
Event attendees can wash the venison down with the handcrafted microbrews available for sampling. Bill Kroft, head brewer for Marzoni's Brick Oven & Brewing Co. in Duncansville, will be on hand for teaching and tasting Friday, while Saturday will feature a representative from Duquesne Brewing Co., based in Pittsburgh.
Kroft said he had fun taking part in the event last year, and plans to bring one or two new brews to "mix it up."
He agreed that the Deer 'N Beer event is a great way to support local businesses.
"Any time you can get out in front of people who consume the product, it's a good opportunity for people to see what's available in the area," Kroft said.
Hanna said the relaxed atmosphere of the Deer 'N Beer event is a great way to end a day at the Outdoor Show, and added that many of the show's speakers should be on hand for attendees to interact with and ask questions.
"If they missed it last year, join us," she said. "It's an absolute great time."
Staff?Writer Beth Ann?Downey is at 946-7520.
