Virginia Beer Museum marks 4 years of celebrating state’s brewing history

On Saturday, September 19, the Virginia Beer Museum cut the cake on its fourth anniversary of lauding, not only the Commonwealth’s current barley crop of crafted beers, but noted Virginians like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson’s contributions to Virginia and the American colonies history of brewing their way right up to independence.

Virginia Beer Museum proprietor David Downes gets ready to cut the 4th Anniversary cake with the assistance of Helltown Saloon barkeep Winter Leigh, right, and Wendie Mather. Royal Examiner Photos by Roger Bianchini

And that’s something worth raising a glass of fine Virginia-brewed beer to – the museum’s fourth and America’s history of a march toward “all men created equal” under the law celebrated every 4^th – of July. Keep the faith in that march, kids – someday.

The appropriately named Play the Changes band mixed classic rock covers and original material to an enthusiastic crowd spanning a several generation gap that appeared to agree that BEER was the vote to make, at least for those of age that Saturday evening in Historic Downtown Front Royal, Virginia.

Musical entertainment was provided by Play the Changes, above on stage; and below between sets sporting their new ‘Vote BEER’ T-shirts. For those interested, Downes ‘BEER Party’ platform is: Better government Encouraging cooperation Emphasizing non-partisan politics Responsible government.

Check the band out on its Facebook page and website.

And check the Virginia Beer Museum out on Facebook and at its website.

Play the Changes played to an appreciative audience, largely gathered under the big top as the sun set toward some plummeting crisp, Fall temperatures. Get near those space heaters!