Ladies and Gentlemen, This is the final invite to BIG BREW 2005. As some of you may know or have possibly forgot, the big brew is occurring at Rick's house in Edina. Sometimes referred to as "Garden View." So far, I have confirmation from only two other brewers and three attendees so we may need to rename the event "Lil' Brew - Just for You!" RSVP not required. Attendance, however, is required if you show up!! The event consists of numerous homebrewers, around the world, making a specific homebrew at a specific time and making a national toast at the same time. I will not have the brewery cam on line yet so you will just have to imagine the events occurring at different locations. The first order of business is weather. Think warm. Visualize blue sky. Smile. Wear your sunglasses. Call Paul Douglas. Tell that little wimp that if we don't have nice weather, he won't get any more dill pickle beer at the State Fair. Tell him what ever you like as long as he agrees on having a nice day. Promise him gallons of pickles, vinegar, beer, or whine . I don't care - just as long as he promises to bring sun shine. That being done, let's move on to the event. The event is about producing beer in very small batches and in my case, it is reasonably small batches produced in a small room in the basement. With the help of fellow homebrewers, there should be three (or more possibly) breweries functioning much like a three ring circuit. I can just hear it. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me direct your attention to the center ring.......... Ask questions, make suggestions, tell stories, compare and contrast techniques, or just show up and have a fun afternoon. What else? Rumor has it that it takes beer to make beer. This is somewhat of a true statement. Rumor also has it that there may be some samples available for evaluation purposes so if you are willing to evaluate something, you may have a golden opportunity. Now what goes well with beer? Food possibly? I don't have a fancy spread figured out because I can't cook in the brewery and on the BBQ. The food thing is up to you. Possibly we can make some hot wings after the main boil is over but the grill is full of fuel, the utensils are nearby, and the lawn chairs will be out. Unfortunately, the event coincides with the pub crawl but the bus route can not accommodate another stop. Besides, we can't sell beverages. Doesn't mean that you can't stop over, you just can't be in two places at one time now can you? So do what you can. Bring something to share Bring something to brew Bring something to BBQ Bring a lawnchair to sit on Bring a beverage to sip on Bring sunglasses to slip on If you like weather insurance, take your umbrella down to channel 4 and make sure that Paul gets the point. If we have bad weather, we only share the worst of the contest beer with the on air staff; no more pickle beer!!! Hope to see you next Saturday. If you need instructions, send me a mail at home mnbrewing(a)earthlink.net Thanks and Cheers Rick Oftel