The grass was greener

Turns out this year’s Inland NW Craft Beer Festival made money after all, for the first time ever.

Latest estimates show that Sept. 26-27 event netted $7,000 to $9,000 for the sponsoring Washington Beer Commission , said Eric Radovich, the commission’s executive director. Proceeds go toward the promotion and marketing of the 241 craft breweries statewide.

The festival had its highest attendance yet, with 2,784 admissions, in its first year at Avista Stadium – minor league baseball home of the Spokane Indians – after four years downtown in Riverfront Park.

Cold, wet weather last year kept the crowd to around 2,100, resulting in a $10,000 loss for the commission.

Radovich previously said the event would return to Avista next September.