Oregon Brewers Festival Features 90 Different Beers, Kicks off with Parade

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Jesse Cornett, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Photo Credit: Oregon Brewers Festival Facebook page

Today is the start of the Oregon Brewers Festival. I have been to many over the years and learned that going during the day on a weekday is the way to go. By evening and all day on the weekend, the lines grow longer. Oh and only on the first day does it start with a ceremonial first tapping after a festive parade through Portland.

The OBF was founded in 1988, when there were just seven craft breweries in the entire state. The event was an opportunity to expose the public to microbrews at a time when the craft brewing industry was just getting off the ground. In 1998, OBF was a two day event and by 1991 it had grown to three days. In 2005 they added Thursday. This is the third year the festival will go an entire five days.

The days have been increased to meet growing demand. This year attendance is expected to exceed 85,000. Attendees come from around the world the last full weekend in July to experience beervana. During the OBF, 89 craft breweries from North America will serve 90 different beers of more than 40 styles.

The Oregon Brewers Brunch, which has long been sold out, is the first event of the day, followed by a festive parade. The parade has a rich history and something every Portlander should experience at least once.

In the mid-2000’s after a brewers lunch, beer legends Art Larrance and the late Don Younger moseyed over to the festival site with a few musicians in tow. They were at a nearby watering hole. That short walk inspired plenty of attention and what has become cherished tradition.

The second year parade the featured then-Mayor Tom Potter.” Breakfast had been served at Rogue Brewing (who still serve a brewers breakfast that has availability). While a march had only been permitted for the sidewalks, it quickly spilled out into the streets. With their boss at the helm, Portland Police played along nicely – and have since.

Today parade will start at 11:30am at Metalcraft Fabrication (723 N Tillamook St) and end up on the ground of OBF, where there will be a ceremonial tapping of the first keg. The beer, in a wooden barrel, is served by the brewer brunch host, which this year is Lompoc. They will be serving Pamplemousse Citrus IPA for the first beer. Anyone with this year’s souvenir glass can get a fill of the first beer for free. If you’re going to march in the parade, be sure to show up a few minutes early. You must be wrist banded (after having your identification checked) to parade onto the festival grounds.

When: July 22 through 26, 2015 – From Wednesday through Sat, taps are open from Noon to 9pm. Sunday ends at 7. Token & glass sales close one-half hour prior to the taps shutting off (8:30pm daily, except 6:30pm Sunday)

Cost: While admission is free in order to consume beer, purchase of a 2015 souvenir tasting cup is required and costs $7. Beer is purchased with wooden tokens, which cost $1 each. Please note that OBF is cash only. There are eight ATMs on-site.

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Rogue Ales Beard Beer

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Wynkoop Brewery Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout

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Rogue Ales Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale

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Me: Um, okay. What is Turkish Delight?

Clerk: Just try it.

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Bison Brewing Organic Gingerbread Ale

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