Main Street News

Columbia County is home to a truly thriving variety of businesses, including a notable array of artisanal beverage producers. In an effort to spotlight the area’s breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries, this year’s first Scenic Sips Fest will be held on August 3rd from 4-8pm. Organized at Roeliff Jansen Park’s Hilltop Barn in Hillsdale, NY, the event will showcase a plethora of exciting provisions, including not only delicious, locally sourced beverages, but also tasty food, specially crafted goods, and delightful entertainment.

Emphasizing Hillsdale’s charming qualities and picturesque landscapes while also highlighting Columbia County’s remarkable value as a region, Scenic Sips Fest is a wonderful way to discover all that the area has to offer this summer and connect with fellow community members. As its organizers explain, this is a fun, engaging event for all to enjoy!

The origins of Scenic Sips

The initial concept, and namesake, behind this year’s inaugural Scenic Sips Fest is Scenic Sips of Columbia County, a self-guided craft beverage tour that was mapped out by Columbia County Tourism in light of the pandemic. This free, easily accessible resource aimed to give visitors and locals alike the chance to explore the region’s beverage producers while taking in beautiful scenery, exploring small businesses, and stopping at other artistic and educational endeavors along the way.

So, in light of this concept, the founders of Roe Jan Brewing Company (Steve & Kathy Bluestone), Little Apple Cidery (Ron Bixby), and Tim Welly of Hillrock Estate Distillery (with input from Monty Bopp of Upper Depot, too) felt inspired to brainstorm and collaborate on an opportunity that would underscore the county’s many talented beverage makers.

The Fest comes to fruition

Ron and Steve went to Amy Farrell, the Columbia County Tourism promotion specialist who has served in a volunteer capacity to help launch the festival. In addition to her crucial input, Steve adds that they have benefited greatly from the hard work of Beth Gordon, Laura Griffin, and Patrick Ferencz, who has been particularly pivotal in garnering sponsorships.

Indeed, Scenic Sips Fest has acquired 25 sponsorships for the event, which reflects an immense support of this new undertaking. This enthusiasm is also illustrated by the event’s list of beverage producers, all of whom are excited to share their products and display their unique offerings to the community.

What to expect

This year’s participants reflect the area’s range of beverage purveyors, representing every corner of the county.

Hailing from Hillsdale are Roe Jan Brewing Company and Little Apple Cidery. Cooper’s Daughter Spirits at Olde York Farm, located in Claverack, and Hillrock Estate Distillery in Ancram will be in attendance, as well as Hamlet Hound of Copake, Hudson Valley Distillers of Germantown, and Field Supply Wine. Furthermore, the festival will include Chatham Brewing, Valatie’s Harvest Spirits, and New Lebanon’s Roaring 20’s Brewery & Taphouse. Featured Hudson-based producers include Old Klaverack Brewery, Return Brewing, Union Street Brewing, Upper Depot Brewery, and Whitecliff Winery.

In addition to beverage tastings at the event, guests will have the option to purchase products from these vendors and have them set aside at a holding station to take home on their way out. 

However, the attractions don’t stop there. The event’s attendees can also choose from a selection of yummy eateries. Specialty chef Oleg Shcherbakov is bringing his Ukrainian cuisine with Authentic Eats. Furthermore, Hillsdale’s Cook & Larder and Jay’s Cuisine, which specializes in modern soul food, will also offer their culinary stylings. Amenia’s Great Cape Baking Company will provide desserts for the Fest.

If you’re interested in checking out other captivating goods from the local community, another selection of vendors will exhibit an assortment of craft and specialty items: Bash Bish Honey, Harvey Mountain Alchemy candles, ZebYums dog treats, and Indigo Lane jewelry. All the above businesses will be set up in the Hilltop Barn or nearby in the sprawling grounds, creating a charming, fair-like atmosphere.

There will also be no shortage of entertainment. Singer/songwriter and Chatham native Curt Buchan will be performing, collaborating with two other local musicians in a trio. Later, at 6pm, Great Barrington-based band Rounders Revival will take the stage.

You can also try your hand at a game of cornhole, and if you’d like to go for a walk, you can navigate the park’s breathtaking paths; well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to accompany you on your stroll, too! “It’s a serene, relaxing spot,” Amy observes.

A community event, first and foremost

All in all, regardless of whether you partake in the beverages aspect or not, this event will truly be fun for everyone. One of its main goals is to serve as a major social gathering for the county; the Fest, Steve says, will hopefully bring together people from Hillsdale and the surrounding towns, while also appealing to visitors from outside the region, giving everyone the opportunity to chat and connect.

While visitors may be familiar with the county, Steve explains, “We want them to experience our town and beautiful park.” Amy adds that the event’s impact is a win-win for all involved, and hopes it will enhance Hillsdale’s visibility.

Steve notes that the parks department has been very helpful in coordinating the event space. Steve himself has played a central role in arranging the park in anticipation of Scenic Sips Fest, too, crafting benches, cornhole boards, and stairs for the park’s stage with materials donated by Herrington’s. Through this effort, Steve and Amy explain, they want to leave an effect that the park will benefit from forever and show Hillsdale their dedication to enhancing the community at large, including long-term investment in the park.

Additionally, all profits made from Scenic Sips Fest will be donated to the Town of Hillsdale, towards improvements in the Roe Jan Park. Amy explains that these efforts mean “keeping the park updated and beautiful for future events.”

Between the amazing array of vendors, the variety of supportive sponsors, and the promise of a fun, community event for all ages, Amy is hopeful for the Fest’s success and plans for future years. “It’s going to be an enjoyable, calm, and relaxing event,” she explains. “It can only get better from here.”

Scenic Sips Fest will take place at Roeliff Jansen Park, located at 9140 State Route 22, Hillsdale, NY, on Saturday, August 3rd from 4-8pm. Tasting Tickets are $25 online and $30 at the gate. Each Tasting Ticket includes a commemorative tasting glass and tastings with each craft beverage producer. Teetotaler Tickets are $10. Children 12 and under are Free. To get your tickets and learn more about the event, click here! 

Follow @ScenicSipsFest on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date and support the event! To contact the organizers, send an email to ScenicSipsFestccny@gmail.com. Images below showcase a selection of participating beverage producers.