HUNTER, New York ??” Mark your calendars. Hunter Mountain taps into the magic of craft beer again this season at the 8th Annual TAP(sm) New York Festival April 23-24th, 2005. Explore an array of nearly 100 handcrafted brews, fine cuisine to complement, and professional demonstrations at this exceptional collaboration of New York State’s finest breweries and culinary talent.

As New York’s most prestigious craft beer festival, TAP(sm) New York showcases the talent of nearly 30 New York State Breweries, with dozens of fine food vendors, chef’s demonstrations, beer seminars and exquisite tastes, encompassing the best New York State has to offer. Beers showcased are guaranteed to offer a variety of colors and flavors to please every taste bud. From pale ales and pilsners, to weisbiers, porters, stouts and scotch ales; hearty Bohemian and Bavarian style lagers to Belgian style ales, a TAP(sm) ticket is a passport to unlimited sampling of brew, plus fine gourmet foods, cooking demonstrations and beer seminars galore.

TAP(sm) New York is also the home of two prestigious awards, which are presented each year to two top contenders. Both experts and non-experts judge in a competition for the “Best Beer” and “Best Brewery” in New York State. Top honors in both categories receive memorial cups, as well as bragging rights. Tickets to TAP(sm) NY 2005 are $35 in advance (purchased before April 22), and $39 at the door. Designated Driver tickets are just $20. TAP(sm) ’05 hours are 12pm-5pm on both Saturday and Sunday. For more information about TAP(sm) New York or to purchase tickets, visit www.tapnewyork.com or dial 800-HunterMtn.