Twice the Fun at Hops and Props

There’s beer and boats … and then there’s hops and props.

Sept. 7, 2014

Hops and Props, one of Manistee’s biggest events, was launched a few years ago to show off Century Boat Club’s watercraft.

Now, the combination big boat/craft beer event draws between 2,000-3,000 people each year.

IDEAS AND HOPS

Patrick Kay, director of the Manistee Main Street Downtown Development Authority, says that the initial idea for Hops and Props can be attributed to his predecessor, former executive director Travis Alden.

"He thought it would be great to showcase these boats," Kay said. "And this year, it’s evolving into a full-scale boat show, with newer boats represented too."

The hops part, of course, refers to craft breweries that cater the VIP Beer Tasting and the Michigan Craft Beer Tasting. Their footprint is expanding at the fest, too, Kay said.

"We are doubling the amount of breweries from last year to this year, and we’re doubling the event in size, layout, and number of activities," he said. "We should have over 25 breweries by the event date."

The breweries will be arriving from all over Michigan, and will include brews from Bells, Dark Horse, Shorts, Founders, Mitten, Hideout, North Peak, Rochester Mills, New Holland, and Arcadia Brewing Companies, plus offerings from The Livery, Douglas Valley Winery, Bardic Wells Meadery, Virtue Cider, and many more.

TUNES AND PROPS

As far as the "props" part of this festival equation, The Century Boat Club is bringing in more than 50 boats to compete for awards and prizes.

"Additionally, we have contacted several boat dealers in the area who will be on hand to showcase their boats, and also offer test drives for patrons looking to purchase a boat," Kay said. "I’m excited to not only see the classic wooden boats that were once made here in Manistee, but also the newer watercrafts."

Two receptions – a kickoff on Friday at the Boathouse Grill, and a Boater’s Brunch on Sunday at the Ramsdell Inn – will continue the boating part of the theme.

The Art’s Alive Art and Artisan Fair will showcase plenty of unique creations, while the 14th Annual United Way Chili Cook-Off will provide a little friendly culinary competition.

Live music will be provided by Chicago based blues rocker Keith Scott, Ann Arbor bluegrass folk-rockers Dragon Wagon, and Northern Michigan’s own Jon Archambault Band.

Kay thinks the music plus the Hops and Props combo is what helps make Manistee stand out with this event.

"You see a lot of boat shows in Michigan, and because of the craft beer movement you see a lot of beer festivals, but how often do you get to see them combined?" he asked. "These are two of the reasons that make Michigan unique: craft beer and classic boats. What better way to build an event?"

The third annual Hops and Props fest will take place in downtown Manistee on Sept. 12-14. For more, visit visitmanistee.com.