Ladies and Gents, As I sit here and sip a "Blood Mead" I thought, "hey, how about doing some announcing stuff to the Minnesota homebrewers." And then I got to thinking, "hey, what about those great folks over in St. Paul." So without any authorization or reservations, I started putting together a message about our next two meetings and since time is flying, it seemed appropriate to e-broadcast them (I love making up new words). So without any further adew and in reverse order, our next two events. First June and then May. Dateline: Friday, June 13. Location: Land of Memories Campground - Mankato Minnesota. Event: Prime your pump and find your tents, it's time to go camping. The Minnesota Homebrewers Association cordially welcomes you to the first camp out event of 2003. Campers should generally drive down to Mankato and find the Land of Memories Campground located just west of Mankato on hwy 169. After crossing the Blue Earth River, turn right on to Hawley Street at the Municipal Campground sign. Then left onto Main Street. Main street goes right to the campground. Now that you're at the campground and it's Friday the 13th, here is what we have planned. Did I mention, they allow beer? Friday afternoon - evening. Decend or assend on Dave Bergs Bandana brewery. You know what a host Dave is so let's pay him weldome and try some of his new "flatland" creations. Let's see if he brought along the "Ringwood" culture? Friday evening - back to the campground for camping (like duh). Saturday morning - after coffee and a few snacks, drive to New Ulm for a tour of the Schells brewery. Some folks that missed the first night may wish to meet us at the brewery at 2:00 or so. After the tour, we head down a back road route and if anyone is interested, stop at Ted's brothers winery for the a two dollar tour. I promised a message about the "big May event" so read on. Next Saturday, the MHBA has arranged a tour of Rahr malting in Shakopee. We will be touring (we believe) house #5 which is located just off hwy 13 on the north west corner. Tour starts at 1:00. Around 3:00, we will move to "New Shakopee" over to Jonathan's brewery for a bit of a meeting and a bit of thirst quenching. Now here is the kicker. If you come on the tour, you need to bring some good beer. Not that stuff you pawn off on distant relatives! "If you know what I'm saying?" The folks at Rahr provided us with a extremely detailed tour last year and this is an opportunity to walk through the largest single facility malt house in the world! Just imagine, in our (ok not St. Paul) back yard. Bring your camera! If the weather is decent we will likely go onto the roof. The view of is amazing. So there you have it folks. A bit of beer stuff for the near future. July 18 and 19 (I believe) is the club campout in Cokato. Yep, same place as last year - fondly remembered as the campground that drowned as it was blown away! With the weather we had last year, it is almost impossible (truly) for a repeat! OK, let's review. May 10 - Rahr - 1:00 Harkwells steak house 3:00 June 13 - Land of Memories campground - Mankato, Bandana brewery, Schells, July 18-19 Cokato state wide campout Collingwood campground August (Sturgis) Take care and have a safe and enjoyable summer. May the beer you brew rise to the occasion! Rick Oftel MHBA "Prez"