A Toast to Community, Craft Beer, and Creativity

Recapping the First-Ever Mid-Minnesota Toast

On March 17, 2025, the Willmar Lakes Area raised a glass to something new — and truly special. The Mid-Minnesota Toast, the region’s first collaborative beer event, brought together local brewers, homebrew enthusiasts, and craft beer lovers for an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Foxhole Brewhouse in Willmar.

More than just a tasting, this event was a celebration of local talent, community connections, and the vibrant brewing culture across the Willmar Lakes Area.

Highlights from the Day

Attendees enjoyed unlimited samples from the three local breweries that call the Willmar Lakes Area home:

• Foxhole Brewhouse (Willmar)
• Intuition Brewing (Willmar)
• Goat Ridge Brewing Co. (New London)

Each brewery brought a unique lineup of styles and flavors — from hop-forward IPAs to smooth, malty ales — offering something for every craft beer enthusiast. The event buzzed with live music, St. Patrick’s Day-inspired food, and interactive games, creating a fun and festive vibe throughout the day.

Guests also took home a commemorative glass — a perfect memento of great brews and even better company.

Home Brewer Competition: Passion & Creativity on Display

A highlight of the event was the announcement of winners from the Home Brewer Competition. With more than 60 entries from passionate brewers across the region, the competition showcased an impressive range of creativity, flavor, and brewing skill.

Participants came from both near and far, bringing their best brews to be evaluated by a panel of judges. Congratulations to the winners, whose standout creations rose to the top in a very competitive field!

“I’ll Dunkel Your Bock” Dunkels Bock – Brewers: EmmaGrace Felton and Matt Semaan (Duluth, MN) – Will be brewed at Intuition Brewing this Fall 2025.

“Dark Side of the Monk,” Belgian Dark Strong Ale – Brewers: Brian Stuedemann and Shannon Edmundson (Marshall, MN) – Will be brewed at Foxhole this Fall/Winter 2025.

Cheers to What’s Ahead

The Mid-Minnesota Toast wasn’t just a one-day event — it marked the beginning of something exciting for the Willmar Lakes Area’s craft beer scene. We’re grateful to the breweries, home brewers, volunteers, and guests who made it a success.

We’re already looking forward to the next one. Until then — cheers to local brews, community spirit, and the stories we share along the way!