This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Not Your Nanny's Goat Race

The goats will hit the pavement again for this year's Sly Fox Bock Fest.

It was the first Sunday of May and the year was 2000. A throng of spectators swarmed the parking lot of Sly Fox Brewery to see what would become the first of many goat races as part of their annual Bock Fest.

Continuing to gain momentum as a yearly tradition since, the festival drew an impressive crowd last year, estimated to be around 4,500. The first year saw quadruped George as its victor, but for the past two years, a goat named Dax has taken the crown. Following tradition, the year’s Maibock, which will be immediately tapped and served at the commencement of the race, will be named in the winner’s honor, immortalizing them in goat race history. Seemingly the one to beat, Dax joins approximately 50 other contestants in the 2011 event.

If you’re one of the hundreds of families who has made this annual rite a Phoenixville tradition, there are a few exciting changes to be aware of. Similar to last year, the event will be held at the brewery’s new location, 520 Kimberton Rd. (Rt 113), with parking available at the Kimberton Fairgrounds. There will be a shuttle from the parking area to the venue running 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. that day.

Find out what's happening in Phoenixvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The new location makes for a more enjoyable experience as the sloped lot allows for an optimal sight line for a larger number of people, according to a manager at Sly Fox who has been with the brewery through many Bock Fests.

“The move to the new location didn’t have any hang-ups, actually,” said Raija Madsen. “We were shocked that we had our biggest turn-out ever last year.”

Find out what's happening in Phoenixvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Some changes are in store to help move the lines along at the festival.  

“I think the biggest change is the switch to food and beverage tickets from cash,” Madsen said.

Attendees will have to purchase these tickets in the designated areas for use at the food and beverage concession stands, whereas formerly cash was accepted. Inside, the restaurant will be serving their full menu with some themed specials in honor of the Bock Fest. A limited selection of German-themed food will also be available outside.

When asked whether they consider this a family friendly event, Madsen answered with a wholehearted yes.

“Despite the fact that this is, in fact, a beer festival, no hard liquor is served,” she said. “And there are plenty of activities for kids as well as adults.”

Mingling with the race participants is an obvious thrill for the children who attend, as well as dancing to the German music (which is performed live), and admiring the variety of costumed festival-goers donning their lederhosen.

The biggest drawback of any outdoor festival is always the possibility of bad weather, such as last year’s scorching heat. Thankfully for Dax and his running buddies, the forecast for this Sunday calls for mild weather in the low seventies under partly cloudy skies.

For more information visit Sly Fox Brewery’s website at http://www.slyfoxbeer.com/index.php/front/bockfest.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?