The only operating brewpub in Newberg is celebrating its 12th year in business on Monday, September 4th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with live music and activities throughout the day.
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For Chehalem Valley Brewing Company co-owner Taylor Smith, the party serves as a celebration of the community support that allows them to continue operating, even when there was a worldwide pandemic disrupting in-person business.
“There is nobody to thank more than the people of Newberg,” Smith said. “They and our staff have been with us through it all and kept us going through everything.”
Smith and his family, along with Danny Sikkens, purchased the brewery from John Price in July 2020, just as the brewpub was experiencing the implications of the initial COVID-19 outbreak. The brewery reopened its doors to the public soon after in August 2020.
“We thought it was really important to open back up as soon as it was safe,” Smith said. “We were cautious and supported people however we could — as safely as we could. But we saw people missing their community space and wanted to provide that for them.”
Upon reopening, the Smiths made several changes they felt would help provide a much-needed service in the town: something to do. They introduced live music, opened up the “beer garden” in the brewery’s parking lot, and expanded the menu and beer options.
“We are really trying to make the place as community-friendly as we can,” Smith said. “We want to give people something to do around here — whether that be enjoying live music, comedy, a paint night, or something else. Sometimes in small towns, there’s not enough to do.”
After the change in ownership, Chehalem Valley Brewing Company also ramped up brewing operations, transitioning from a one-barrel brewing system (which produces two kegs per four-hour brew day) to a seven-and-a-half-barrel brewing system (producing 15 kegs per brew day). That upgrade allows Smith to keep their taps filled with Chehalem Valley Brewing beers rather than featuring beers brewed elsewhere.
“It can be like ‘Cheers’ in here when a regular walks in,” Smith said, referencing the popular American sitcom that aired in the 1980s. “That’s the environment I want to build — a local spot that makes you feel involved.”
Smith says the anniversary party is an extension of that mindset. The parking lot market features local vendors selling everything from soaps to earrings. Pawsitively Saved Dog Rescue will have some pets available for adoption, Ewing Young Distillery will be mixing up drinks, and the brewery is renting a dunk tank to raise money for Newberg High School.
“This celebration is truly for the whole town and the people who support us,” Smith said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a regular or someone who is just checking us out for the first time. We’re excited to celebrate with you.”
Chehalem Valley Brewing Company’s 12-year anniversary party takes place on September 4, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in their parking lot. The party is free to attend. Live music will run the length of the event, featuring Crooked Corner Band from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and Highwater Johnny Band from 2:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn more about Chehalem Valley Brewing Company at https://www.chehalemvalleybrewery.com/.
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