The first annual Empire Hops Festival will be held Sat., Oct. 4 on Front Street in the village. The festival promises to have "all the food, beverages, music and excitement of the Chamber's annual Asparagus Festival" celebrated annually in May.

"Hops farming is becoming the new agricultural product of the county," says Paul Skinner, Chamber president and festival organizer. "The majority of local and Michigan breweries insist on Leelanau County hops as the natural ingredient in their brew recipes."

The festival will feature New Holland, Right Brain, Stormcloud, The Workshop, Beards Brewery of Petoskey and Short's. Food vendors include Deering's, Joe's Friendly Tavern, Baytown Kitchen, Scalawags, Art's Tavern, food trucks and more.

The festival runs from noon to 10pm; admission is $10, which includes a commemorative beer glass and drink tickets.