HUNTER, New York — Soon after the snowsports season ends, one of Hunter Mountain’s most popular event kicks off. TAP New York, now in its 11th year, will be hosted again at Hunter Mountain. TAP New York features over 90 microbrews from over 30 New York state breweries. The festival will be held on April 26 & 27, 2008, from 1pm – 5pm in and around Hunter Mountain’s base lodge, in the heart of the Northern Catskills.

What is now known as TAP New York began in 1997 as the Hudson Valley Beer & Food Festival. After two years at the Culinary Institute of America, the event moved to Hunter Mountain, where it has been hosted for the last 8 years. The event features (in addition to beer sampling) food demonstrations, food and craft vendors, food sampling and entertainment. The 2008 food theme is “The American Chicken,” and will explore distinct styles of preparing chicken from across America.

Each beer will be judged and two prizes will be given out: The Matthew Vassar Cup is awarded to the best craft beer brewery in the Hudson Valley, and the F.X. Matt Memorial Cup awards the best beer in the competition. Guest chefs will be present from Aroma Bistro in Ellenville and Brown’s Brewing. Lucy Saunders, author of Cooking With Beer, will be conducting food demonstrations each day.

“TAP New York is an incredible opportunity to enjoy the early spring at Hunter Mountain, and to sample the many beers of New York state,” says David Kukle, Hunter Mountain’s Food & Beverage Director. “TAP celebrates not only the many unique brews of the state, but the gourmet food and beautiful scenery as well.”

Saturday tickets are $54.00 and Sunday tickets are $44. Door price is $60 and $49, respectively. Designated driver tickets are available (food and non-alcoholic beverages are available to DD guests) at $20.00. To purchase tickets or for more information, continue to www.tapnewyork.com. Tickets are limited for both days.