Norbrook Farm Brewery Abruptly Ends Cruise Nights Due to Noise

COLEBROOK, CT – In a decision announced this evening, Norfolk Farm Brewery has abruptly ended “structured cruise nights” on Thursdays due to excessive noise by some of the classic car and truck owners who visited the quiet country setting.

“It’s not worth upsetting neighbors who work hard, come home to their sanctuary and have their peace and quiet disrupted by loud vehicles,” the brewery stated in a Facebook post. The news quickly spread and generated dozens of comments of sadness, disappointment and understanding.

Last night’s cruise attracted 160 vehicles to the scenic hilltop brewery. “There were quite a few new and different vehicles and some new friends made. However, all good things must come to an end,” said the Norbrook post.

Burnouts and loud exhausts apparently played roles in ending cruise nights, although the post didn’t mention what specifically triggered the decision. Signage warning against bothering neighbors had little impact. “Our efforts using signs in an attempt to curtail bad behavior have not worked,” said the brewery, adding that it sympathized with neighbors. “We get it. We wouldn’t like it either.”

Most folks who commented on the shutdown of cruise nights accepted the reasoning behind the decision. “Ruined by people who do not care,” wrote Kathy Carroll, while Joe Palmer wrote, “That’s terrible. I hate when people make a show with loud exhaust(s) and burnouts. Ruins it for the rest of us.”

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In a comment that suggested that the brewery lamented its decision but was forced to end cruise nights to placate upset neighbors, the brewery said, “Thanks for the good times we had and a huge thanks to all those who helped put it together. We really built something wonderful for many people to enjoy!!”

While formal cruises will no longer be staged on Thursday, Norbrook Farm Brewery will continue to be open on Thursday nights. “We encourage our Thursday night friends to come and socialize with each other like we’ve done for a few years, listen to the jam band and enjoy the same vibe,” the Facebook post said.

Many commenters vowed to continue showing up on Thursday nights. “We will continue to come up and visit! Super sad that few had to ruin it for all,” wrote Teresa Cote Zuccaro. “As we left last night, a jacked up truck following us out was revving it up and I said, ‘He’s going to ruin a really good thing.'”

Predictably, there was some bickering among the commenters. “Neighbors need to get over themselves,” wrote Ken Thomas. His comment prompted clapback responses of “Their right to live in a quiet environment should be respected” by Icebox Armory LLC and “People actually just need to be respectful” by Jenna James.

Cruise nights began this year at Norbrook Farm Brewery in May and were scheduled to run through October.

(Photos by Bud Wilkinson.)