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Oregon Garden Brewfest Expands

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The ultimate spring getaway with craft beers, live music and great room deals

The Oregon Garden Brewfest has been the Willamette Valley’s best-kept secret for a number of years, but the word is getting out. As a result of its popularity, the Oregon Garden Brewfest is expanding to three days in 2013: April 26 through 28 at The Oregon Garden’s Grand Hall. The 9th annual festival will feature more than 100 beers and ciders from 62 different breweries spanning from Silverton’s backyard to the East Coast. Event hours are Noon to 11 pm Friday & Saturday, and Noon to 6 pm Sunday.

Located in the historic town of Silverton, 45 miles south – just over an hour’s drive – from the Portland metropolitan area, the Oregon Garden Brewfest also features live music from more than 20 area bands, food, tasting lessons by Women Enjoying Beer, a Brewer’s Tasting Dinner, a Connoisseur Tasting, and a homebrew competition presented by Capitol Brewers.

Advance admission includes a one-day pass for $15 that features a tasting glass, seven tasting tickets, and express entry; a three-day pass for $25 that includes a tasting glass, 15 tasting tickets, and express entry; and a VIP pass for $50 that includes a tasting glass, 45 tasting tickets, a T shirt and a food voucher. Advance sales are available at http://ogbf2013.blogspot.com. Tickets at the door cost the same, but include only five tasting tickets for one day, 10 tasting tickets for three days, 35 tasting tickets for VIP, and no express entry. Designated drivers pay a cover charge of $5 and receive a bottled water.

A full glass of beer costs four tickets, and a taster costs one ticket. Additional tasting tickets may be purchased for $1 apiece. The event is cash only, with an ATM on-site. Parking at The Oregon Garden is $5 per car; free shuttles will be available to various locations in town. The Oregon Garden Brewfest is for ages 21 and over on Friday and Saturday; minors are welcome all hours on Sunday.

The second annual Oregon Garden Brewer’s Tasting Dinner will take place on the eve of the festival, April 25 at 7 pm. This six-course tasting will be attended by participating brewers and industry insiders. Each course will be a small plate paired with a beer tasting from one of six area breweries. There are a limited number of tickets available to the public for $40 apiece.

A Connoisseur Tasting on April 26 from Noon to 2pm gives attendees the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the brewers and representatives. This event is included with Friday admission.

For those from out of the area who wish to make a night of it, The Oregon Garden Resort is offering two room packages: the Brewer’s Dinner Package for $219 is available on April 25 and includes accommodations, two tickets to the Brewer’s Dinner, breakfast for two the next morning, and two one-day tickets to the Brewfest on April 26. The Brewfest Package for $189 is available April 25 through April 28 and includes accommodations, breakfast for two, two one-day tickets to the Brewfest and two food booth vouchers. Reservations are available at http://oregongardenresort.com/Packages.htm or call 503-874-2500.

For a complete list of participating breweries and beers, a detailed entertainment schedule, or more information about the event, visit http://ogbf2013.blogspot.com.

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