HUNTER, New York ??” Get your glasses ready, because the 8th annual TAPsm New York arrives at Hunter April 23-24. Featuring beer tastings from nearly 30 of New York State’s best microbreweries, and almost 100 brews, plus a gorgeous variety of gourmet barbeque food for sampling as well. And what beer event would be complete without a little friendly competition? Attending breweries will compete for “Best Brew in NYS” and “Best Brewery” as well. Educational beer seminars and professional chef demonstrations from some of the Hudson Valley’s best and brightest culinary masters round out TAP- one of New York State’s most prestigious beer and fine foods festivals. Don’t miss your chance to taste an exquisite showcase of fabulous and unique microbrews. Tickets purchased in advance at www.tapnewyork.com are just $35, and day-of tickets are $39. Don’t forget that string of responsibility within- assign a DD for the festivities, and return the favor later. Designated driver tickets are only $20. For more information, email [email]snagel@huntermtn.com[/email], or visit the Press section of www.tapnewyork.com for press releases and this year’s program guide.

How does a giant Mountain Jam sound? Well, it sounds like the renowned jam band called Gov’t Mule, plus Robert Randolph, Medeski, Martin & Wood, and Xavier Rudd. That’s right, WDST Radio Woodstock and Hunter Mountain will be holding the famed radio station’s 25th anniversary concert at the Mountain’s base on June 4th, 2005. Tickets cost $40 when purchased in advance, and $45 day-of. Children 12 and under are free. Grab yours before they’re gone- purchase at Hunter Mountain and other participating ticket sellers. This sound-a-licious collaboration of mountains and great live music (performed by talent grown right in the Hudson Valley) only happens once every 25 years- and can only be found at Hunter Mountain, June 4th, 2005. For more information, visit www.WDST.com.

Hunter’s complete lineup of summer and fall festivals are on their way – Here’s the lowdown on some of the Catskill’s best celebrations:

Hunter’s German Alps Festival: August 13-14. Gather for a weekend of imported German brews, authentic entertainment straight from Germany and festivities galore at this traditional Bavarian celebration. Featuring the sounds of premium German entertainer Tony Marshall, plus Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra, The Radlpass Trio, The Dominos International Orchestra, and Die Schlauberger. For more information, visit www.huntermtn.com/summer_festivals_gaf.html or email [email]snagel@huntermtn.com[/email].

Hunter’s International Celtic Festival: August 20-21. This annual celebration of the Emerald Isles features world-class entertainment straight from the heart of Ireland and Scotland, plus authentic beer, food and celebration to suit all ages. This year, Hunter’s Celtic Festival features entertainment by Boru, the popular Irish band from the 90’s, as well as Andy Cooney, The McCabes, Searson, The Calley McGrane Band, Seamus Kennedy, Jimmy Walsh, Tim Quinn, and the Amercot Highland Pipes Band. The Festival also features a renowned Mass March of hundreds of pipers and drummers, plus Irish step dancers galore. For more information, visit www.huntermtn.com/summer_festivals_celtic.html or email [email]snagel@huntermtn.com[/email].

Fall festivals:
Hunter’s Microbrew and Wine Fest: September 24-25, 2005
Oktoberfest (two weekends): October 1-2, 8-9.