Hillsdale, NY – The first annual Scenic Sips Fest will be held Saturday, August 3 from 4-8PM at the Roeliff Jansen Park on NY-22 in Hillsdale, Columbia County. This event combines craft beverages, specialty food, and crafts into a unique showcase for local producers. The setting is the Hilltop Barn, a popular venue for weddings and other celebrations known for its stunning views and rustic charm. All profits from this event will be donated to benefit the Park.
This celebration of local food and drink is the brainchild of Steve Bluestone. “Last winter, as the co-owner of Roe Jan Brewing Company in Hillsdale, NY, I imagined how great it would be great to have an event to highlight the excellent drinks that come out of the 30+ Columbia County based producers of beer, hard cider, spirits, and wine. Springing out of that idea, with the hard work of a few talented volunteers and generous sponsors, over half of the county’s producers have now committed to attend the very first Scenic Sips Fest.”
Over 15 Columbia County craft beverage producers of beer, fine wine, spirits, and hard cider will be onsite for ticketholders to sample and enjoy. Guests will recognize favorites such as Roe Jan Brewing, Hudson-Chatham Winery, Harvest Spirits, and Little Apple Cidery. Attendees can relax while listening to live music: a country/folk trio featuring Curt Buchan and Rounders Revival, a folk quintet. A variety of food options spanning diverse cuisines will be available: Ukrainian Chef Oleg’s Authentic Eats, Cook & Larder’s Italian inspired dishes, Jay Cuisine’s soul food truck, and sweet treats from Great Cape Baking Co.
The growing list of business sponsors is impressive. Led by Hillsdale General Store & HGS Chef & Kneller Insurance, other supporters include Countryside Car Service, Madsen Overhead Doors, and Herrington’s. Interested sponsors may request a sponsorship form by emailing scenicsipsfestccny@gmail.com.
There are two levels of tickets. “Tasting” tickets ($25 in advance) include a branded tasting glass and allow samples from every beverage booth. “Teetotaler” tickets ($10) allow guests to purchase food and enjoy the music without any alcohol included. Colored wristbands will be distributed to indicate guests’ ticket status. Purchase online at tinyurl.com/scenicsips, or at the entrance where Tasting tickets will be $30. Kids 12 and under enter for free. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome.
Choosing the Roeliff Jansen Park for the event location was easy, says Bluestone. “The setting for Scenic Sips Fest will be at our local crown jewel, the 300 acre Roeliff Jansen Park. For over 20 years, this free park has served the public with several miles of easy walking, clearly mapped, dog-friendly walking paths that have vistas reaching in excess of 20 miles. The park has virtually unlimited parking spaces, and hosts the very popular Copake Hillsdale Farmers Market on Saturdays from May to November. It is an unparalleled setting for what we hope will become an annual event, and will draw many to experience the beauty and attractions of both Hillsdale and Copake.”
The rain date is Sunday August 4th. For updates and more information, follow the event at instagram.com/scenicsipsfest/ or https://www.facebook.com/ScenicSipsFest
Email to with any questions to scenicsipsfestccny@gmail.com