Burgers and Brews Fest attendees savor chance to lift ‘UP’

The heat was on at the 10th annual Burgers and Brews Festival, as participating restaurants battled it out to determine who would emerge victorious in this year’s Best Burger in Indian River County Competition.

While the day was full of fun, there was a serious mission behind the fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting United Against Poverty, which assists some 750 people a day to lift themselves out of poverty and into self-sufficiency.

Riverside Park was a beehive of activity as thousands braved soaring temperatures to chow down on delicious burgers and wash them down with an abundance of icy drinks from local breweries.

There was plenty to keep the youngsters engaged too, with games and face painting in the kids’ zone, while adult games included an apple pie eating and flip cup contests.

And throughout the day the toe-tapping music of Carl Owens & Whiskey Trip a five-piece Country and Honky Tonk band kept the energy level on high.

This year’s panel of experts, all judging this particular event for the first time, were Athena Barton, general manager of the Green Marlin; Eddie Hunter, owner of Hunters Seafood; and County Commissioner Susan Adams, who, with her family, owns and operates Marsh Landing Restaurant in Fellsmere.