One morning last summer, our brewery phone rang. I answered hastily, annoyed at the interruption.

However, instead of a telemarketing call, it was a guy named Brent Larson from Minnesota. He and his wife would be coming through in a few weeks.

“Is this Lisa?” he asked. “This may sound crazy, but I think we’re related.”

That got my attention.

Brent told me about how his 90-year-old mother, Jeri Bodger, had grown up without knowing any of her extended family. Recently, she had done some genealogical research and discovered our brewery blog post about our mutual relatives.

[Read the original post: Anchor Brewing Co. to Close]

Could we meet? Could I introduce him to other family members? Absolutely.

Here's the spoiler: Yes, there's family resemblance (looks and traits!) and enough compatibility to justify three different visits already!

[Click READ MORE for the backstory.]

Join us from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, for an oompah good time. This 4th annual celebration will feature craft beer by Second Chapter Brewing, plus some great fun!

*Note: Some times have changed due to the Husker Football game, which we will screen at 3:00 p.m.

On tap this year outside, you'll find Bavarian Brothers (German Pils), and at 12:00 p.m. we'll hold a ceremony to tap the 2026 batch of Mary's Märzen (Märzen Oktoberfest). Griffins' Nectar (Hefeweizen) and other options will be available indoors. 

New this year are Drift Trike Races, sponsored by Pedaler's Corner of Sidney, Nebraska, at 1:00 p.m. Co-ed teams of four will compete in a fast-paced but lighthearted relay race through a course on West 2nd Street. Expect spin-outs and excitement as racers compete the course and then take a few sips of beer before passing the baton to the next teammate. Registration is only $40 per team, includes a full pour for each participant. You must be 18 or older to compete, and must be 21 and older with a valid ID to consume alcohol. Bring your own helmet! 

Other entertainment will include live music, sponsored by the Quality Inn and Suites and Bollywood Indian Kitchen in Ogallala. Live music acts include Last Chance Band at 11:00 a.m., and Heather Wellman at 5:00 p.m. [Unfortunately Neue Polka Colorado has canceled their appearance.] 

The annual Stein Hoist Competition will take place at halftime of the football game (approximately 4:15 p.m.) and lawn games will be held throughout the day. The Ogallala High School Art Club will provide face painting from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Food will include locally-made Bavarian Pretzels with Beer Cheese (made from our own Mary's Märzen), or a delicious meal of locally-made smoked Bratwursts and Sauerkraut.

​Click to read more!

We are pleased to announce that a favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition will continue this year: our 4th Annual Pop-Up Party at Second Chapter Brewing!

Spend the day with us, sipping and shopping from some great area vendors! Plus, enter to win a great giveaway!
Trish and Dave's Kitchen on Wheels will join us all day, serving smash burgers, Philly sandwiches, and more. 

Sunday, September 6, from 12:00-5:00 p.m. Taproom will be open until 7:00 p.m.

Confirmed vendors include:

• Bekah's Bath Works (handmade bath and body care)
• Little White Delights (baked goods)
• PermaLinx by jBloom - Bloom With Grace (permanent jewelry)
• Serenita Stregheria (plants, crystals, herbs, & more)
• Wholesome Sandhills (gluten free baked goods)

​ADDITIONAL VENDORS ARE WANTED!!! Click READ MORE to see the details below.