Although a few gray clouds hung over the Breckenridge Summer Beer Fest Saturday, they did nothing to dim the mood of hundreds of beer enthusiasts. While thunder grumbled above and a brief rain shower pushed crowds up against the brewery tents, the majority of the festival featured fun, sun and gallons of craft beer.

West Water Outlaws kicked off the music with tunes that got festivalgoers dancing. Up next were Merle and Thekla Schultz, of Silverthorne, who wowed the crowd with their smooth swing moves. They were followed by the upbeat, rock-inspired sound of Emily Bell, whose visit to the beer festival was her first time in the High Country. It would definitely not be her last, she said.

The festival stretched over two blocks on Ridge Street, doubling its size from spring. Even so, lines for beer snaked across the street and along the sidewalk, portions of which were marked in a rainbow of colors thanks to chalk donated by Breckenridge Art Supply.

The only thing flowing faster than beer was conversation, among locals, Front Rangers and a fair number of out-of-staters. Popular beers included Odell Brewing Co.’s Double Pilsner, a summer seasonal featuring a hefty 9 percent ABV and tons of flavor.