| February 17, 2008 |
The four-hour regular session for the Celebrator Beer News’ 20th Anniversary Party began at eight. As soon as everyone waiting in lines was inside, a Dixieland band — led by a tuxedoed Tom Dalldorf complete with plunger — paraded into the hall, with the Celebrator writers bringing up the rear. The next four hours were a blur — and not because I was blurry (I wasn’t) — but because there were so many friends and colleagues to see and talk to, so many fantastic beers to sample, and just so much to see and do that it felt like it was over before it started. It just went by quick. There only a few wrinkles, and it seemed everyone I spoke to was having a great time. I know I did.
Tom Dalldorf whistles the start of the parade — and the festivities.
Tom and me inside, after the parade.
Jennifer and Dave Keene, who celebrated their 17th anniversary at the party. Congratulations to the happy couple.
Denise Jones, brewmaster at Moylan’s, with Gabrielle Harris, who also works with Marin and Moylan’s Breweries.
Stephen Beaumont with his sister Cathy.
Vinnie Cilurzo, with Russian River Brewing, opened a number of big, yummy bottles. Here he’s pouring Dave Keene, from the Toronado, a glass of Damnation Batch 15.
We tried to take a photo of all the assembled Celebrator writers, but a few didn’t hear the call.
Tom Dalldorf, making a toast to all the breweries there, and especially the several ones who were also celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.
Then a wonderful Zydeco band took the stage.
And there was much dancing and rejoicing.
21st Amendment co-owner Nico Freccia and Matt Salie, who’s currently with Big Sky Brewing.
A Colorado-themed trio. Lauren Salazar (QA/Sensory Analyst with New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins), Cheryl Black (co-owner of the Falling Rock in Denver with her husband Chris and his brother), and Jen Garris, San Francisco Beer Ranger for New Belgium.
Steve Altimari, from Valley Brewing, and his better half.
The number of Mardi Gras costumes grew with the influx of people in the regular session.
I spent a few minutes on air with Shaun O’Sullivan and the gang from the Brewing Network. (photo courtesy of Brent Ainsworth.)
When a fan presented herself on Shaun’s lap during the broadcast.
Jen Garris illustrates again how easy it is to be featured on the Bulletin.
Brent caught me on stage making another announcement about the California Small Brewers Association’s silent auction to raise money for the group. (photo courtesy of Brent Ainsworth.)
Now that’s one serious Duvel glass held by Nicole Erny, who’s a beertender at The Trappist in Oakland. You can also see the silent auction for the CSBA going on over her shoulder. (photo courtesy of Brent Ainsworth.)
This New Belgium hand-made bicycle garnered the highest bid of the evening. The hall was large enough that the winner could take his new bike for a test ride.
All in all, a terrific evening.