They came thirsty, hungry and ready to handle the heat. They came from near and far to indulge in craft beer and hot sauce tastings on Saturday, June 18, with the return of the HopSauce Festival after a two-year COVID-19 hiatus.

Veterans Memorial Park in Beach Haven was loaded with festival goers holding 5-ounce sample glasses. The warm weather and sea breeze made it the perfect day to kick off a Long Beach Island summer.