Yuma Brew Fest On Tap Oct. 24

YUMA, Ariz. - A river of beer will wash into Yuma's Desert Sun Stadium Oct. 24 as the Yuma Visitors Bureau hosts its third annual brew fest spotlighting craft beers from the Southwest and beyond -- and benefiting local veterans.

Rio de Cerveza flows from 5 to 9 p.m., with VIP ticket holders getting a special-access preview beginning at 4 p.m. Live entertainment will again be provided by 80's and Gentlemen from Tucson, and a variety of food vendors will be on hand selling savory solids to soak up the suds.

General admission ($45) includes a 4-ounce souvenir tasting mug and a passbook to be stamped for your choice of two dozen brews. Along with early access, VIP tickets ($80) get you a souvenir mug and 24 brew samples, an event T-shirt, and access to a reserved area with complimentary food. New this year, lawn games (mega-sized Jenga, cornhole), People's Choice Award, Beer 101 classes.

Tickets go on sale Aug. 4, with "early-bird" discounts available through Oct. 10 - save $5 on general and $10 on VIP admission. Tickets for nondrinking designated drivers are also available now for both general ($10) and VIP ($20) admission.

Tickets are available online at http://www.RiodeCerveza.com or at the Visitor Information Center, 201 N. 4th Ave. (closed Mondays through September).

Discounted tickets for military and veterans with military ID will are available at Great Escapes Travel, located at the main exchange at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.

All 'flavors' of tickets will also be available at the gate the day of the event.

The sampling supports a worthy cause, with a portion of the event's proceeds going to the Yuma Community Foundation's Yuma Veterans Fund, which provides short-term financial assistance to veterans to address emergency needs. Raise a souvenir mug in support of Yuma veterans Oct. 24.