Lebo Brew Fest will take place once again this fall, but in a new location and with a new partner, the Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC), and a new sponsor, Giant Eagle Market District. The annual event is planned for Saturday, September 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Academy Avenue Parking Lot in Uptown Mt. Lebanon.

Founded by Mt. Lebanon’s Todd DePastino, an author and history professor, the VBC is a nonprofit organization that creates “communities of listening around veterans and their stories.” The VBC sponsors public programs where veterans share their memories, and conducts interviews where veterans’ stories can be captured and preserved for future generations.

Proceeds from Brew Fest, featuring “tastes” of a variety of local brews provided by Frank Fuhrer Wholesale, will help provide ongoing maintenance for the Mt. Lebanon Veterans Memorial in Mt. Lebanon Park, which was dedicated on Memorial Day 2012. The event also will support programming at the memorial in honor of veterans on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and other patriotic occasions.

Entertainment for the day will include music by the Bastard Bearded Irishmen. There will be a raffle and prizes, with food available from Bado’s, Pitaland and Walnut Grill.

No tickets will be sold at the gate this year, and no one under 21 years of age will be admitted, including infants and small children. Tickets ($30 donation) include a commemorative glass and are available online at www.mtlebanon.org (click on My LEBO on left menu), as well as at the public safety center and the customer service center in the municipal building.

Commissioner Kelly Fraasch and Fire Chief Nick Sohyda have been working with Brew Fest Chair Nick Goodell and the VBC to coordinate the event. Community volunteers are needed to help on the day of Brew Fest, however. For information about volunteering, donating or becoming a sponsor, contact DePastino at todd@veteransbreakfastclub.com, 412-623-9029, or Sohyda at 412-343-3402,
nsohyda@mtlebanon.org.