[mba] 2009 Upper Mississippi Mash-out

8th Annual Upper Mississippi Mash-Out   There is only a week until registration opens for the 2009 Upper Mississippi Mash-out.  Here a preliminary schedule of events and a few of the rule changes this year. * There is no limit on the number of meads you can enter in the individual categories as long as they are different. * There is no limit on the number of ciders you can enter in the individual categories as long as they are different * There is no limit on the number of Eis Anything you can enter in the individual categories as long as they are different.  We are not requiring a pre-eised bottle as the website indicated earlier. For more information visit http://www.mashout.org/ Key Dates Dec 29 2008 – registration for all entries, volunteer sign-up and banquet ticket begin Dec 29 2008 - Jan. 10 2009, entries accepted   Schedule of events   Friday January 23 8:00-9:30 am - Setup and Registration 9:30-noon - Judging Session 1 noon-1:30 pm - Lunch for Volunteers - Kirby Nelson of Capital Brewery talk 1:30-4:00 pm - Judging Session 2 4:00-6:00 pm - Judging Session 3 6:00-7:00 pm - Dinner for Volunteers 7:00-9:00 pm - Judging Session 4 9:00-midnight - Indoor Pub Crawl; Kirby Nelson will introduce some beers he brought pre-crawl Saturday January 24 8:00-9:00 AM – Breakfast for Volunteers 9:00-11:30am - Judging Session 5 11:30 AM-12:30 pm - Lunch for Volunteers - Seminar - TBD 12:30-3:00 pm - Judging Session 6 4:00-6:00 pm - Specialized Mead training (4:00-5:00 pm - Best of Show Judging (Closed to Public)) 6:00-7:30 pm – German Theme Beer Banquet 7:30-9:00 pm - Awards Presentation   Additional judging sessions may be added on Thursday January 22nd as needed.   Volunteer sign-up is first come first serve, so if you plan on helping out sign-up early to reserve you spot to judge or steward.   We will also be organizing a “beds for judges” program again this year.  If you need somewhere to say send and email to info(a)mashout.org and we will work on finding you a place to stay.