By: Andrew Walsh
AWalsh@wbcowqel.com
Undeterred by some brief afternoon showers the 2015 Hatchery Festival rolled on Friday.
The Thursday opening of the three day event always has a special buzz about it as festival goers look to start their weekends early with a little fun, and last night was no exception, as people walked the midway taking part in festival food delights and listening to the rock music emanating from the beer garden.
The second day of the fest featured a slightly busier schedule, with music at the gazebo, barbecue chicken dinners from the Knights of Columbus, as well as more music later in the evening from the beer garden.
Nestled right amongst all the activity of the event, Pete’s Cafe serves as something of a hub during the festival. It provides respite from the rain and its air conditioning provides a cool hang out in the event of intense summer weather. Owner Ryan Kantzer took advantage of the break in the rain to hang some party mood lighting on his back patio in preparation for what he hopes will be a full Friday night.
Last year Kantzer said they had one of the best Thursday nights they’ve ever had, and this year’s Thursday was not quite as full.
“Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, you don’t,” Kantzer chuckled.
Being right in the heart of the action allows Pete’s to be fully immersed in the festival. When asked what he liked most of the central role his business plays, Kantzer quickly added,
“Seeing the people that meet up after a long time of not seeing each other. That’s pretty cool.”
Taking the stage in the beer garden Friday night was a band of some local renown, fronted by New Washington’s own Jim “Gopher” Kenny, Gopher Baroque is a fixture at the Hatchery Festival.