USA: North American Organic Brewers Festival

The sixth North American Organic Brewers Festival will take place in Portland from June 25 to June 27, 2010. Two of Portland's industries - organic beer and sustainability - come together in this annual celebration designed to raise awareness about organic beer and sustainable living. Organic beers and ciders from around the world are served, accompanied by live music, organic food, sustainability-oriented vendors, non-profits, a root beer garden with complimentary Crater Lake Root Beer for minors and designated drivers, and a children's area - all in a beautiful tree lined setting that overlooks downtown Portland. Admission into the event is free.
 

The festival goes beyond beer tasting by striving to be the most earth-friendly beer festival in North America. Festival attendees sample beer from reusable and compostable cornstarch glasses made from domestically grown corn by a zero-waste, solar-powered company. Onsite composting and recycling stations are provided for festival waste, and food vendors are required to use compostable cutlery and plates. Electricity needs are met with a combination of biodiesel and solar generators. Volunteers wear organic cotton and hemp t-shirts, and all event signage is reusable. The NAOBF aims to bring awareness of sustainable living to its participants and attendees by encouraging brewing and drinking organic beers, using local and sustainable energy, and purchasing locally grown foods and locally made products. Plus, visitors arriving with a bike and parking onsite will get a discount on their tasting glass. The festival benefits the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and the Oregon Food Bank. Last year's event had 13,000 visitors - this year, about 15,000 people are expected.

NAOBF