Hop Garden Belleville hosts inaugural winter games with friendly competition

WISC-TV

BELLEVILLE, Wis. — Hop Garden Belleville welcomed brave participants Saturday for its inaugural winter games, bringing the brewery’s eight-year tradition to its newest location just south of Madison.

The bar and brewery, which opened last summer, packed its building with people who gathered for friendly competition and weekend entertainment. Participants faced off in contests including brat toss, stein hold and the popular keg toss, all held outside despite recent cold weather.

“It was really slow, and we were bored in Paoli, so we came up with this event, and it’s been growing every year. And now we’re doing it at all of our locations,” said Rich Joseph, co-founder of Hop Garden. “It’s just a lot of fun because it’s the middle of winter. It’s a good reason to get outside. It’s been super cold the last few weeks, and people are just excited to try to get outside. The weather cooperated. It was wonderful.”

The Belleville location joins other Hop Garden breweries in Wisconsin that have conducted winter games for nearly a decade. The expansion of the event reflects the growing popularity of the competition and the brewery’s commitment to community engagement.

Participant Johanna Meyer found success in multiple events during Saturday’s competition.

“My favorite was the hot dog toss. That was fun. But I have right now the women’s record on the beer stein holding,” Meyer said. “Super fun. A great way to come out and meet people in the community and build business here as well. We love it.”

The winter games serve as both entertainment and community building for the brewery, which opened its Belleville doors approximately six months ago. The location sits about 30 minutes south of Madison, positioning it as a destination for both local residents and visitors from the capital city area.

Those who missed Saturday’s event will have additional opportunities to participate. Hop Garden plans to host winter games at its Paoli location at the end of February, followed by games at the Evansville location in March.