Celebrate the Buckeye State’s microbrew culture with seven days of beer-soaked, Ohio Brew Week festivities July 12-18, 2009 in Athens, Ohio. From Weasel Boy to Buckeye Brewing, all 29 of the state’s brewmasters are drawn to this über-haunted college town in the southeastern part of the state, where more than 116 craft brews will be showcased in 28 area pubs, taverns and restaurants; participating venues are designated by Ohio Brew Week flags.

Now in its 4th year, Ohio Brew Week has spawned a Craft Brew Cooking Competition, Brew BQ Cook-off, along with museum tours and a plethora of opportunities to learn about the art of brewing craft beers from intriguing guest speakers, including news reporter-turned-brewery owner, Steve Hindy. An added bonus, many of the events are free.

There’s even the family-friendly Brew Choo Choo, a scenic train ride with rail cars sponsored by the breweries. Gourmet box lunches will complement the brews and kids can drink their fill of Frostop Rootbeer. Visit  www.ohiobrewweek.com for full festival details and to purchase event tickets.

Highlights include:

Sunday, July 12, 2009
1:30 PM – Celebration Reception: Beer memorabilia auction; featured speaker, Steve Hindy, native of Middleport, Ohio and CEO of The Brooklyn Brewery discusses the craft brew industry. Dairy Barn, 8000 Dairy Lane.

Monday, July 13, 2009
12 PM – Lunch With Steve Hindy: “From Meigs County to Beirut to Brooklyn,” a journalist’s story. $10 buffet. Toscano’s, 4 Depot St.

6 PM – Official Keg Tap: Special releases include Jackie O’s Sparbock  and Chunga’s Old Bruin; Steve Hindy presents a lecture, “Craft beer is The Future of All Beer.” Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery, 24 W. Union St.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009
5:30 PM -3rd Ohio Craft Brew Cooking Competition: Sample entries in five categories; cash bar. $25 advance, $30 at the door. Abrio’s Brick Oven, 859 E. State St.

8:30 PM - Meet the Brewer: Brian Burns of Cellar Rats Brewery. The Red Brick Sports Pub, 14 N. Court St.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009
12 PM - Cheese, Weeds & Brews: Lucky Penny Creamery owner, Abbe Turner shares recipes and pairs fresh chevre and mozzarella with Great Lakes, Barrel House and Samuel Adams beers. $13 Toscano’s, 4 Depot St.

5-10 PM Homebrew Keg Competition: Hosted by Eric Hedin of Athen’s Do It Yourself Shop. $10 advance, $12 at the door. Arts West, 132 W. State St.

8:15 PM – “So, you think you don’t like beer?”: Sample lighter, fruitier craft brews from Elevator Brewing Co. and Barley’s; conversation with Fermented Chef Jim Leverentz of Leeners You-Make-Kits. $13. The Oak Room, 14 Station St.

Thursday, July 16, 2009
6:30 – 8:30 PM – Meet the Brewer: Luke Purcell, brewmaster, Great Lakes Brewing Co.; Keynote speaker Christopher O’Brien, author of “Fermenting Revolution: How to Drink Beer and Save the World” talks about sustainability in the brew industry. The Casa Cantina, 4 W. State St.

Friday, July 17, 2009
11:30 a.m. Cooking With Beer Demonstration. Lucy Saunders, author of “Cooking with Beer.” $10. Grover Center kitchens, Richland Avenue.

5-9 PM Brew BQ Cook-Off Competition. Sample Brew BQ contest entries, and purchase BBQ and beer from vendors.

6 PM Brew Choo Choo: Sample Ohio beers from the Great Lakes Brewing Co., Thirsty Dog Brewing Co., Black Box Brewing Co., Samuel Adams and Barrel House Brewing Co. during this scenic railway ride. $25 adult, $10 child. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, on U.S. Rt. 33 & 33 East Canal St.

Saturday, July 18, 2009
3-5 PM – Ohio Brew Week Craft Brew Tasting Area. Sample Ohio microbrews, $1 for a 4 oz. pour.

Written by “Poizen” Ivy Hover

Ivy is an Oregonian who craves a Hefeweizen on a sweltering summer day; hold the lemon, please. She also uses her use of alliteration to the test as the Portland Drinks Examiner, http://www.tinyurl.com/pdxdrinks