OK man, what's the deal with the overabundance of cheap beer on this campus? Delicious though it may be, haven't you had enough? Wouldn't you love to walk into a party and grab hold of a delicious Upland Wheat, complete with a juicy orange slice garnish? Well, Beer Fest 2005 is coming to town this weekend, and for all you Upland fans, there will most definitely be a booth representing the local Bloomington brewery. In fact, lucky for all you broke beer drinkers who can't afford to splurge on the expensive stuff, nearly 300 different types of beer will be served at the Bloomington Convention Center extravaganza. And to all you cheap beer loyalists out there: don't fret; there will be booths representing your taste buds as well.\n2005's Beer Fest is the 13th annual convention sponsored by Big Red Liquors. "It gives an opportunity to sample many different beers you may be afraid to try, but that you may actually really like, especially in the case of expensive beers," said Rob Williamson, Director of Marketing and Promotions for Big Red Liquors. \nSenior Charlie Troup said "last year's Beer Fest was awesome," and that it gave him the opportunity to sample and become a fan of both North Castle and New Holland Brewing Company's delectable drafts, both of which he has purchased again. \nThe Bloomington Convention Center, home of 2005's Beer Fest, is located 302 S. College Ave, right next to the Courtyard by Marriott. The three hour Fest begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. (just in time to stumble over to the bars). The lines get pretty long, so arrive early, advises Williamson. In fact, in past years, especially on the Friday night of Beer Fest, the line has wrapped around the hotel's perimeter by 6 p.m. If you plan on attending the Fest on Friday, Williamson recommends getting your ticket in advance because it gets so packed, they usually have to turn people away. "There are always people who start camping out really early, like a few hours prior," warns Williamson. ID checking is the primary cause of the lengthy lines because it is such a time-consuming process. But once you've whipped out the proof that you are indeed 21 and navigated your way through the line, you can join the other 500-600 people and grab a four oz. glass and let the sampling begin.\nInside, booth after booth will line the walls, all flagged by large banners so you can easily identify the breweries you want to taste. Heads up kids: though you may feel like you're in a stocked candy shop, the post-Fest upset stomach will be far worse than that of leaving the Sweet Factory as a young child. Williamson does not "recommend attempting to taste every beer. There will be no prize for that," he jokes. In fact, the large police presence might escort you out halfway through your attempted mission. \nConfused as to where to begin? Let's consult the brewers. Caleb Stanton, who decided to make a career out of his home beer brewing hobby and is now head brewer at Upland Brewery, prefers Upland's Wheat, IPA and Oktoberfest. While in Upland's line, don't forget to inquire about a sampling of Saison, described by Matt Dunn, in his article for www.IndianaBeer.com as "a hip style (beer)." Dunn recommends "buying some Saison and drinking it as you toil in the fields. Or not. I mean, it might be more enjoyable if you just drink them inside and use water to slake your thirst as you toil in the fields, but really it's up to you." \nAlso, don't forget to grab a sampling of Bloomington Brewing Company's Head Brewer Floyd Rosenbaum's fave: BBC's Pale Ale. Getting tired already? Get back in BBC's line and try Rosenbaum's latest brew: Java Porter, just brought to tap October 1. This unique concoction is described by Floyd as "beer with a little bit of coffee in it or coffee with plenty of beer in it." For those of you like Williamson whose favorite beer is more of a "draw a name out of a hat situation," he says try "Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout, though it is probably one of twenty favorites." Senior Grant Glass says he is particularly enthused to drink some "delightfully smooth, wonderfully rich Newcastle." Check out www.BigRedLiquors.com before you head over to the Convention Center and map out your own route of Beer Fest -- just don't forget, you've only got three hours. Get wild with your taste buds; don't just go for the classics, but try something you wouldn't normally buy.\nSo get your game face on folks. You can buy your tickets online at www.BigRedLiquors.com, in the actual Big Red Liquors Store or at the door. Tickets will cost $25 tonight and $30 tomorrow night. Costly, but all proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Club. So technically, you're drinking for the kids. In order to increase proceeds, Big Red Liquors doesn't pay the beer companies for coming. "It's an opportunity for beer vendors to showcase their beer and change someone's mind," said Williamson. In addition, the raffle tickets at the front door will also go to benefit the Boys and Girls Club. There will be "all kinds of crazy prizes raffled off: bicycles, kayaks and a whole lot more," said Williamson. But under no circumstances should you leave Beer Fest and attempt to ride your prize, especially if it is one that involves water and rowing. Sleep off the Fest and test out your freebie the next day when you've sobered up.
-- Staff Writer Rebecca Price wishes she was 21 so she could attend Beer Fest. Maybe she'll peer through the windows. Get a hold of her reprice@indiana.edu.
