New showcase: Sky Valley Corks Kegs Block Party in Monroe

Let’s call it proximity bias. It’s something that brewers around Snohomish County often talk about, referring to local beer drinkers preferring to imbibe on a mysterious beer from some far-flung locale instead of a locally made craft concoction.

“Surprisingly it can be harder for us to sell our beer in Monroe than anywhere else,” said Steve Huskey, owner and head brewer of Monroe’s Dreadnought Brewing. “People think if it came from somewhere else, it must be better. People are like, ‘Well, if it came from Monroe, how good could it be?’ ”

The answer: Darn good.

Dreadnought Brewing is one of a number of east Snohomish County breweries that is making quality beer and selling high volumes in taprooms and bars around the Puget Sound. On Saturday, the inaugural Sky Valley Corks &Kegs Block Party in Monroe will showcase wineries, breweries and more that call the Sky Valley home.

“We wanted to have an event that would be a great way to highlight the wonderful things happening in Sky Valley,” said Yvonne M. Gallardo-Van Ornam, executive director of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great place to relax. We have the river, hiking trails, hotels and great places to eat and drink.”

The Block Party was created by the chamber after Harry’s on Tye, a Monroe bottleshop and taproom, approached it with the idea. Huskey sees the event, which will be held in the large parking lot outside of Harry’s on Tye, as Monroe’s first real craft beer and wine festival to show off local wineries and breweries.

“We see this as a way to let people know that we’re right here in their back yard,” said Huskey, who added that Dreadnought has tripled production since opening in 2015. “There are a number of places here to stop and have a good time.”

The event, which is family friendly, is from 3 to 9 p.m. Aug. 12 at Harry’s on Tye, 14286 169th Drive SE. Nearly 20 local breweries, wineries and cideries will be there, including Sound to Summit Brewing, Three Bull Brewing and Spada Farmhouse Brewery, as well as three food trucks.

Advance tickets are $25 and can be purchased at www.corkkeg.eventbrite.com or $35 at the door. Attendees receive a commemorative tasting glass and eight tasting tickets.

The second weekend of August is one of the busiest for beer fests around the Puget Sound. The Sky Valley Corks & Kegs Block Party is just one of a number of beer events happening around Snohomish County this weekend. From north to south, east to west, it’ll be easy to find a brewfest to tip back a few taster glasses. Here are a few:

Rock the Boat 3: Scuttlebutt Brewing and Everett Music Initiative are hosting the third annual Rock the Boat music and beer festival from 4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 12 at Boxcar Park, 615 13th St., Everett. Headlining the festival will be Sir Mix-a-Lot and the Meat Puppets. Scuttlebutt will be pouring 10 different beers, including their 21st anniversary beer, Summer Romance; an India Pale Lager; and a secret new beer that will be perfect for sipping in the sunshine. Tickets are $20 can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3017823.

4 Corners Brewfest: A number of south Snohomish County breweries, including Gallagher’s Where-U-Brew, Watts Brewing and Salish Sea Brewing, will be pouring at this Shoreline brewfest from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Innis Arden Clubhouse 1430 NW 188th St. There will be a silent auction to benefit the Shoreline Historical Museum.

Lake Stevens Lions Club Blues, Brews and BBQ: The second annual Lake Stevens Lions Club Blues, Brews and BBQ is 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 11 and 1 to 9 p.m. Aug. 12 at Team Fitness, 1109 Frontier Circle E., Suite A, Lake Stevens. A number of local breweries will be pouring beer, including Sound to Summit Brewing and Diamond Knot Brewing. There will also be food, music and activities for kids.

Beer Can Derby at Naked City Camano: Naked City Camano Island is hosting a Beer and Root Beer Can Derby at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the brewery, 848 N. Sunset Blvd. There will be prizes and, of course, beer.