Sweltering temps no barrier to a swinging OBW climax
Ohio Brew Week's culminating weekend ran head-on into Excessive Heat Warnings throughout the country's mid-section and East, though heat indexes well over 100 Fahrenheit didn't seem to impede the fun.
The BrewBQ Friday afternoon and evening at the Athens Train Depot also drew a healthy crowd, as did the Last Call street party all day and evening on North Court Street's two blocks.
Last Call especially had plenty of available water (free in front of Artifacts), and everyone had easy access to air-conditioned street-side bars, restaurants and businesses. The NEWS will add more details once we touch base with OBW officials about how things went from their end.
The Ohio Brew Week Last Call street party on Saturday saw its attendance gradually increase all afternoon. (This was taken around 2:30.)
Shade was a a premium during early and mid-afternoon Saturday during Ohio Brew Week's Last Call street party, before the sun started moving behind the east-facing buildings on North Court Street.
Realtor Josh Radcliff/LCR Realty offered a cooling/misting station for folks during OBW Last Call Saturday, and many took advantage with temps in the mid-90s and high humidity.
Early in Saturday's Ohio Brew Week Last Call street party on Court Street, the crowds had yet to materialize, though by mid-afternoon things were going strong.
Atlas 34 played to a sparse crowd mid-afternoon Saturday during OBW Last Call, but they handled the challenging time-slot and sizzling temperatures with aplomb.
Atlas 34 played to a sparse crowd mid-afternoon Saturday during OBW Last Call, but they handled the challenging time-slot and sizzling temperatures with aplomb.
Atlas 34 played to a sparse crowd mid-afternoon Saturday during OBW Last Call, but they handled the challenging time-slot and sizzling temperatures with aplomb.
Free water was available at a booth in front of Artifacts on West Washington Street during OBW's Last Call Saturday. There was still plenty early in the day.
Free water was available at a booth in front of Artifacts on West Washington Street during OBW's Last Call Saturday. There was still plenty early in the day.
Free water was available at a booth in front of Artifacts during OBW's Last Call Saturday. There was still plenty early in the day.
Realtor Josh Radcliff/LCR Realty offered a cooling/misting station for folks during OBW Last Call Saturday, and many took advantage with temps in the mid-90s and high humidity.
Zach Reizes, left, talks with potential customers at his "plants growing in craft beer cans" booth during Saturday's OBW Last Call street party.
Laura Nadeau gamely plays a set during the second time slot on Ohio Brew Week/Last Call's Acoustic State, at the south end of the two-block celebration area.
During Saturday's OBW Last Call celebration, many attendees found a shady spot and staked it out until ready to venture back out into the hot sun.
The crowds gradually grew all afternoon at OBW/Last Call on Saturday.
Even by mid-afternoon Saturday at OBW's Last Call, the beer-token line on West Washington Street was daunting – a lot of very thirsty people.
The view Saturday from The Athens NEWS' newsroom, second floor of 14 N. Court St. – and yes, it was air-conditioned.
Some Last Call attendees help cool down their pup by pouring a bottle of water on him or her.
Two Last Call-goers decided to go shirtless amid the heat late Saturday afternoon.
The guitarist from Borderline Something plays at Last Call late Saturday afternoon.
Borderline Something performs.
Bartenders had to change out their boards regularly throughout the day Saturday as they ran out of certain Ohio brews on tap. This bartender at the Cat's Eye had to stand on the bartop to do so.
Dutch Creek Winery's owners, left, were present to help pour some meads during Last Call.
Devil's Kettle owner Cameron Fuller tried to stay cool during Last Call as he poured beers he himself brewed.
Ohio Brew Week executive director Brandon Thompson poured this reporter a beer at the Platform Brewing taps during Last Call.
Larry Elefante, aka Michael Rutushin (at right), played a lively set Saturday evening at Last Call.
Larry Elefante's backing band might be familiar to some who attend Jazz Night at Tony's in Athens regularly.
Folks gathered on the sidewalk to take a breather in the shade frequently throughout Last Call.
From left to right, West End Cider House co-owner and local distiller Kelly Sauber, Connie Patterson (assistant dean for academic engagement & outreach at OU's Patton College of Education) and Athens Mayor Steve Patterson chat on the street during Last Call.
The bricks on North Court Street got hotter and hotter as the day progressed during OBW/Last Call (in more ways than one).
OBW/Last Call.
Shouts and Whispers entertained a healthy crowd during the BrewBQ Friday evening at the Athens Train Depot.
Shouts and Whispers entertained a healthy crowd, and inspired a few swing dancers as well, during the OBW BrewBQ Friday evening at the Athens Train Depot.
Shouts and Whispers entertained a healthy crowd, and inspired a few swing dancers as well, during the OBW BrewBQ Friday evening at the Athens Train Depot.
Brandon Buckley, co-owner of A-Town Pies and Fries, works the kitchen despite the sweltering heat Friday at the Brew BQ.
Brew Week volunteers talk to customers during Brew BQ.
A young event attendee takes some unsteady steps at Brew BQ.
Tim Martin, owner of Ohio is Home and Red Tail Design Company helps a customer during Brew BQ.
Members of the family of several former Ohio Brew Week staffers who suffered a destructive fire in North Carolina were present at the Brew BQ event in order to raise money for their recovery. More information can be found at https://www.athensnews.com/opinion/letters/former-brew-week-staffers-suffer-destructive-fire-in-n-c/article_658f5bba-a334-11e9-8be6-07fbcbabae8e.html.
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