Even though I won’t get there until tomorrow and I think of the Oregon Brewers Festival as (traditionally) starting on Friday, it actually starts—well, started—today.

First up was the Oregon Brewers Brunch and Parade, from 10am til noon (PDF here):

The public is invited to join craft brewers from across the country to kick off the 20th annual Oregon Brewers Festival. The Oregon Brewers Brunch will begin at 10 am at the Rogue Ales Public House at 1339 NW Flanders St in Portland. Tickets may be purchased at the door and cost $15, which includes a traditional brunch, a pint of Rogue Ales, a parade t-shirt, and a kazoo. At 11 am, participating brewers and beer lovers will set out for an old-fashioned sidewalk parade, accompanied by kazoos and marching band music. The parade will wind its way through Portland sidewalks to the opening ceremonies of the 20th annual Oregon Brewers Festival.

And then the Fest opens at noon. I wish I could’ve made it early, but that’s okay, I’ll get early reports from other blogs: Jay Brooks will be there today, and Jeff promises a preview tonight. And there’ll be others, I’m quite sure.

One more day for me!