It's almost time again for one of Ventura County's premier beer festivals! The Moorpark Beer Festival will be holding its third annual event this year on October 6, 2012. The Moorpark Morning Rotary Club (MMRC)is sponsoring the event. MMRC will use all the profits from this event to help local families, schools, seniors and veterans. So you're drinking for a cause!-)

This year the festival will host 2500 attendees which is up from 1000 last year.  If you were present last year you know that elbow room was at a premium and so you (and everyone else) will be happy to hear that the event grounds have tripled in size! 2 1/2 blocks or High Street in Moorpark will be sectioned off for this festival. This year there will be plenty of room for you, me and all our friends to hang out and enjoy some quality craft beer.

And speaking of craft beer.  The general admission ticket will get you unlimited tastings from at least 19 California-based craft breweries and two homebrew clubs this year!  So be sure you hit all the big craft breweries (Lagunitas, Iron Fist, Karl Straus, etc) and don't skip any of the locals (Enegren, Sundowner, or Surf).  But what ever you do, DO NOT skip the homebrew stations.  These local homebrewers know what they are doing and you are sure to taste some truly unique and delicious one-offs. 

Is your mouth watering, yet?  

There will also be nine food stations along the way. Local favorites like Custom Melt and The Dugout will be there and the MMRC will again be grilling up some tri-tip sandwiches! Please note, however, that food is not included so you will want to bring along some extra cash. It is easy to get carried away at a festival so be sure to follow these tips.  Eat a hearty meal before you arrive, force yourself to take water breaks and eat throughout event. These simple tips will help you stay hydrated and slow your alcohol consumption.  You don’t want to be that guy/girl! You know the one I am talking about, the one that makes a mess all over his/her shoes and everyone else who is standing around. 

I am the most excited about the VIP section ($100/ticket) this year.  Listen to these perks! It has its own own brewery, Figueroa Mountain! And its own food, Custom Melt! AND comfy sofas to relax in! So go get your VIP tickets before they sell out and hang out with me.

There is so much more happening this year that I could go on and on.  But I do want to mention that Cantera Cellars will be present for those "I don't like beer" folks and there will be two bands providing a beer fest soundtrack! Learn about all the newest updates, etc. at http://www.moorparkbeerfestival.com .

Last but certainly not least, plan now.  Plan on how you are going to get home safely after the event.  There are several hotels in the area that offering special rates and the MBF is offering specially priced designated driver tickets.

See you in October!

HopHeadSaid readers have picked the winner of the opening game of the the 2012-13 NFL season! If this poll is any prediction of how the game will go, it looks like it will be quite lopsided.

Well done Deep Ellum (! Thanks for playing along and promoting my poll!
@deepellumbrewco