Hops and Crops music and beer festival returns

Festival is Sept. 14 at the historic Mary Olson Farm on Green River Road.

Locally made beer, live music playing, and food trucks on a beautiful farm.

That sound good to you?

If the answer is “outstanding,” then you don’t want to miss the annual Hops and Crops Music and Beer Festival from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the historic Mary Olson Farm on Green River Road.

Snug in its own canyon alongside the roaring Green River just north of the Auburn Golf Course, Mary Olson Farm is an idyllic place to listen to live music and sample the genius of some of the region’s best craft breweries. Participants can boogie to a local band, sip along with friends and have a blast.

It is also rain-or-shine event for ages 21 and older only.

Dogs of all ages are welcome (leashed please)! Camp chairs and blankets are encouraged, outside food is discouraged. Outside alcohol, drugs and firearms are prohibited.

The festival is a fundraiser to support the free and low-cost education programs at the farm. Thousands of students from across the region visit the farm every year to learn about history, farming, sustainability, Northwest salmon and stream ecology.

What’s new this year, we asked Mallory Genauer, education coordinator for the White River Valley Museum.

“Axe throwing with Sea Axe!,” said Genauer of the downtown Auburn business.

Pre-sale tickets are $25, netting each celebrant a 5-ounce taster glass and 6 taster tokens. You can buy additional taster tickets at the event. General admission is $35 at the event plus fees, which includes nets a 5-ounce taster glass and 6 taster tokens. Designated drivers get in for $10 entry available at the event, but no tastes.

Here’s the brewery lineup so far: Republic of Cider, Georgetown Brewing Company, Logan Brewing Company, Acorn Brewing Co.m 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Rail Hop’n Brewing Co. and Valhalla Mead, the last a new addition to the festival, Genauer said.

The band lineup: Rogue Planets, Wild Powwers, Hard Maybe and Day Soul Exquisite.

The food trucks: Thai-U-Up, Stacks Burgers, Pizza Maniac and 314 Pie.