TAP^SM New York started in 1997 as the Hudson Valley Beer and Food Festival. It was originally hosted in Hyde Park, NY at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. After two years at the CIA, the event began to grow, and organizers realized the CIA did not have adequate space to support the festival's potential size. In 1999, the event was moved to Hunter Mountain, still titled the Hudson Valley Beer and Food Festival.

From the start, the HVBFF included a brewer competition. The Matthew Vassar Cup was awarded to the Best Craft Beer Brewery in the Hudson Valley, recognizing the best overall mix of beer styles.

In 2001, the scope of the event was extended to include the entire state of New York. Craft brewers from Long Island to Buffalo were invited, and the name TAP^SM New York was born. Also in 2001, the first F.X. Matt Memorial Cup was awarded, awarded to the best Craft Beer Brewery in New York State.

In 2002, the event space was expanded to utilize nearly the entire upstairs of the Base Lodge. In 2004, the event again saw record attendance and occupied even more of the facilities at Hunter Mountain. Each consecutive year the event has drawn more and more attendees, brewers, and food concessions. With the addition of a tent in 2005 to expand the space, another attendance record was set. Each year brings more beer lovers, and for 2006 another large tent was added to provide ample space for everyone. In 2007, the event's 10th Anniversary, yet another large tent was added. The food theme for 2007 was "Best of the Last Ten Years."

With the continued growth of TAP^SM, additional tents were ordered for 2008, creating a larger "courtyard" setup spilling out slopeside of the Main Lodge. In 2009, we brought live entertainment to the event, which has been a big request over the years.

Listed below are the members of the TAP^SM New York Committee, who work hard all year long to bring this event to fruition:

Three original members who created the Hudson Valley Beer and Food Festival, Inc.

• Bill Woodring: President & Co-founder of Hudson Valley Beer & Food Festival, Inc., Fishkill, NY
• Nat Collins: Co-founder, HVBFF, former Brewer/Owner Woodstock Brewing Co.
• John Calen: Co-founder, HVBFF, former brewer at various Hudson Valley breweries and brewpubs

• David Kukle: F & B Director
• Brian Czarnecki: Director of Marketing & Sales
• Dan Pickett: Director of Most Everything
• Jessica Pezak: Communications Director
• Jen Schmidt: Vendor Relations & Setup
• Steve Laing: Webmaster, HunterMtn.com and TAP^SM New York