Daily Press file photo Attendees enjoy the beer festival UPtoberFest at Ludington Park in 2019. The event is returning in October after being canceled last year due to the pandemic.

ESCANABA — Delta County’s beer and wine festival is returning on October 9 from 2 to 7 p.m. UPtoberFest is once again being hosted by Bay de Noc Brewers, Escanaba’s homebrew club, to showcase local craft beer and wine. All proceeds from the event benefit The United Way of Delta County and other charities. In 2019 the event raised over $22,000. UPtoberFest was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Attendees of past events will find a similar experience to years past, according to organizers. Samples of numerous beers, wines, meads, and ciders from Michigan will be available, with a focus on U.P. vendors, all in Escanaba’s Ludington Park. The event also includes a souvenir pint glass, hors d’oeuvres prepared by Bobaloon’s Cafe, and entertainment by local band ToHuBoHu. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available as well.

Attendance for the event is being kept at the same cap as the last few years, which is 1,000 attendees. However, tickets are moving at a record pace, according to organizers.

“Tickets are selling much faster than we’ve ever seen. People are very excited for this event after missing last year”, said Josh Marenger, vice president of Bay de Noc Brewers.

This year, tickets are only available online at www.uptoberfest.org.

“There is still a bit of uncertainty with the pandemic, so this makes it easier to provide refunds in the unlikely event that we have to cancel. Also, our previous ticketing locations are facing staff shortages, and we didn’t want to add one more thing to their already full plates,” said Marenger.

Bay de Noc Brewers, Inc. is dedicated to the promotion and responsible consumption of home- and craft-brewed beer. More information is available at www.uptoberfest.org. The United Way of Delta County supports 16 local non-profit agencies, and its website is www.uwdelta.org.