Boys and Girls, Guys and Gals, Do you know what time it is? Is your refrigerator running? Rick here with the first in a series of public service announcements for the Minnesota Homebrewers Association regarding bIG bREW 007. The big brew event is again being held in our new back yard. Why is the back yard new? It's new because it's bigger - just to accommodate the crowd. What's the theme? Bigger is better. Last year, we had many brewing stations at various locations in the back yard and one large brew kettle towards the hill. This year we will have two large kettles and matching mash tuns capable of producing 80 gallons of bitter wort in one or two shots! Why is this important to me? Nobody has the ability to ferment 80 gallons at one time but many of you have happy yeast looking for a second or third batch to ferment. We will provide the wort free of charge as long as it goes to a good home. What else is new? The focus this year is on techniques and education. We welcome you to bring and use any equipment you have but thought it might be more valuable to focus more on all grain training and techniques and a little less on multiple locations. What else? You remember the good weather chant. Start now to ensure good weather on May 5th. The BBQ is always available. The national toast occurs at 11:00. Rumor has it that hot wings arrive around noon and the two ring circus (aka two brewers who care) fire up their boilers around 9:00. Mark your calendar and bring your wife. Drain your fermenters and donate your yeast. Bring your beer and spread some cheer. Wisconsin folks, please bring cheese. So there you have the first episode of bIG bREW 007. Stay tuned and send in your ideas. Sincerely, Rick Oftel MHBA member since 1968 (and one heck of a good liar) P.S. Did I mention there will be some beer? This electronic message including any attachments ("Message") may contain information that is privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under trade secret and other applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, notify the sender immediately, permanently delete all copies of this Message, and be aware that examination, use, dissemination, duplication or disclosure of this Message is strictly prohibited.