| February 17, 2008 |
Sunday brought an end to Beerapalooza week with the 20th Anniversary Party for the Celebrator Beer News at the Oakland Convention Center. I went early to help set-up and get ready for a great evening of fun and merriment, Mardi Gras style.
Rogue made up these very cool Celebrator 20th Anniversary beers with a label using a photo of publisher Tom Dalldorf from one of the earlier anniversary shindigs.
The empty hall before the deluge of people. It felt many times larger than our previous party spots, especially when it was still free of people.
Several breweries decorated their booths, such as the Lagunitas one just before the festival opened.
The doors to the V.I.P. Session opened at 3:00 p.m. and a small line formed before the party kicked off.
Many festival-goers embraced the Mardi Gras theme and put on their finest party costumes.
The gang from Widmer Bros. Brewing in Portland, Oregon.
Alec Moss, from Half Moon Bay Brewing, and his assistant brewer.
Brent Ainsworth, from the Marin IJ (and the Celebrator), and Lars Larson from Trumer Brauerei, in Berkeley, California.
Tim Blasquez, from Sierra Nevada Brewing, with his lovely girlfriend.
Celebrator publisher, the man of the hour, with costumed revelers. I’m not sure about the left, but the right is Kenny Gross.
Ted Vivatson, with Eel River Brewing, and Ken Allen, of Anderson Valley Brewing.
A blast from the past: former Celebrator writer CR Saikley, Celebrator co-founder Bret Nickels, and yours truly.
Justine and Gabby, or is that Gabby and Justine, give their best Strong Beer Month pose at the 21st Amendment booth. It wouldn’t be a beer festival without them.
Marin/Moylan’s owner Brendan Moylan and friend, Brent Ainsworth and Mike Altman, owner of Iron Springs Brewing in Ross, California.
Straight off the set of Blazing Saddles, a pair of Wild West motorcyclists, pimp daddy and Mr. Tie-Dye.
Kevin and Mo, a true Mardi Gras couple, enjoying some dark beer to match their outfits. Now that’s accessorizing. They went on to win the best costume prize.