For the uninitiated, FOSSILS stands for Fermenters of Special Southern Indiana Libations Society. The club was founded in September, 1990, which means its 17th birthday fast approaches. The web site is here, and the schedule for the coming months, authored by President Beth Howard, is reprinted below. If homebrewing interests you, FOSSILS is the place to start, but even if you've no interest in making your own, club activities are a great way to expand knowledge about good beer and an even better way to meet wonderful people.
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Happy Summer, FOSSILS and Friends!
Even though FOSSILS didn't meet officially during July, I have every confidence that the spirit of good beer consumption and homebrewing has been flowing freely and often with us all this summer. It has with the Howards, anyhow. Here's a quick update on a few items of interest and upcoming events that all good beer lovers should know about.
2008 PICNIC DATES SET
Thanks to all taking time to attend last month's Beer Camp/Picnic '07 wrap-up and '08 planning meeting at BBC Taproom. Reservations at Otter Creek Park's Camp Tecumseh (same place as "06 & '07) have been made for Friday, May 30 – Sunday, June 1, 2008. Please note: this is NOT Memorial Day weekend.
A new Picnic Planning Committee has been formed to coordinate logistics and details for the weekend. This will be a HUGE help to officers of each club, especially considering the timing of elections and leadership transition, so a big thank you to those who volunteered to participate. I think we'll make Ed Tash the FOSSILS Beer Camp Director (aka Committee Point Man), so we'll be in good hands! Watch for more details about committee meetings and how you can contribute to the success of another wonderful beer weekend in 2008.
KENTUCKY STATE FAIR HOMEBREW COMPETITION
Entries due: August 11
Judging: August 12
Bob Reed has on his Ky. State Fair Homebrew Superintendent hat this month and tells me that they have received a record number of entries for this year's competition. He reminds FOSSILS and friends that homebrew entries are due at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center (KFEC) on Saturday, August 11.
Judging will be on Sunday, August 12 at noon in the usual room in the South Hall of KFEC --- there's always a big sign to help find the exact spot. Because of the tremendous number of entries, Bob's estimating there will be 16 – 17 flights to judge, with at least two judges needed in each flight. He's trying to get as much set up in advance, so contact Bob if you'd like to be a judge or a steward by calling him ASAP at (502) 222-7439 or (502) 369-5898.
BEER & SWEAT AUGUST 18
The Bloatarian Brewing League returns the mutha of all homebrew keg competitions, Beer & Sweat, to its roots at The Drawbridge Inn, 2477 Royal Drive, Fort Mitchell, KY, on Saturday, August 18. Although this isn't an "official" FOSSILS road trip, we customarily have a strong contingent making the trip, so carpooling, etc. is entirely possible.
Hotel reservations are STRONGLY suggested, so make your reservations now! Standard rooms (single or double) are $69 per night; standard rooms (triple or quad) are $79 per night. All rooms are subject to occupancy tax, of course. Call (800) 354-9793 and ask for the "Beer and Sweat" room rate.
Entries due via email by midnight, Wednesday, August 8. You must specify the category, subcategory (including name and number/letter) for all entries. Entry fee is $5 for your first beer, $4 for your second beer, $3 for three through ten and any entries over 10 are FREE. Your first entry includes admission for two to the event. Entries can be checked in (and paid for) on Friday 6-8pm and Saturday, 8-12:30pm.
Judges, stewards and volunteers are also needed. Complete details on the Bloatarian Brewing League website: http://www.bloatarian.org/
STONE BREWING CEO TO VISIT PUBLIC HOUSE AUGUST 20
Cool opportunity, kids! Let's make it a FOSSILS Pub Run Night and show our support for one of our favorite breweries.
Courtesy of Roger's Potable Curmudgeon Blog:
Mark your calendars: Stone Brewing CEO Greg Koch to visit the Public House on Monday, August 20.
Anyone up for a dram of Stone's 10th Anniversary Ale on draft? I had the pleasure of speaking with Aaron Tyrell, Stone Brewing's Midwestern regional rep, who confirmed that Stone founder and CEO Greg Koch – a craft brewing legend – will be the guest of honor at a special Stone Brewing Company night at Rich O's Public House on Monday, August 20. Planning is ongoing, but the main festivities probably will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There'll be a great Stone draft lineup for the occasion, prizes and giveaways, a chance to chat with Greg Koch, and a gratis glimpse (with detailed commentary, no doubt) of my old friend and former Rich O's bartender Buddy Sandbach's Arrogant Bastard tattoo.
BREW AT THE ZOO ON TAP AUGUST 25
The fourth annual Brew at the Zoo will be held August 25 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Louisville Zoo Oasis field. The event, produced by Friends of the Zoo, features a beer tasting from more than 20 local and regional breweries as well as food and wine samples from more than 30 local restaurants and vendors.
Tickets are required and are now available online at www.louisvillezoo.org/events and the Zoo box office through August 24 as well at the door on the day of the event. BE ADVISED --- THIS EVENT GENERALLY SELLS OUT, SO BUY TICKETS NOW!
Price includes admission to the Zoo, live music, brew and food samplings and official tasting glass. Live music at the event will include Stompbox and Two Guys Having Fun. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets on which to lounge while enjoying the music.
BREW DAY AT RILEY RIDGE OCTOBER 20
Becky and John Riley have invited FOSSILS and friends for an on-site brewing demo day at Riley Ridge Wine, Beer and Canning Supply Shop on Saturday, October 20. It will be a great day to "convert" some newbies…enjoy the fall weather brewing…and introduce FOSSILS members to their business in Lanesville.
Details forthcoming, estimated starting time is 10:30 a.m., so mark the date and make plans to attend. Riley Ridge will be donating some grain to brewers that day and we need a couple more groups to set up --- let us know if you're interested.
DEADLINE FOR AUGUST NEWSLETTER: 8/20/07
Send your news, information, etc. to http://us.f508.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=fossils.editor@gmail.com for inclusion in the next edition of the Not Dog, estimated publication date 8/25/07.
UPCOMING FOSSILS MEETING SCHEDULE
September 8
6:30 p.m. - Prost! Room at Rich O's Public House
BrewFood Competition
"Made by FOSSILS" Raffle
Officer Nominations
October 13
6:30 p.m. - Prost! Room at Rich O's Public House
Officer Elections
November 10
6:30 p.m. - Prost! Room at Rich O's Public House
Porter Competition
December 8
Time TBD - Prost! Room at Rich O's Pubic House
Holiday Bash
CHEERS!
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