Happy Spring Break Monday (if you have kids to celebrate it)! Here’s the Oregon beer news for this March 26th. I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day so if you have some news to share, please contact me. And check back to see the latest updates.

The big news over the weekend is the announcement of the name for former Deschutes Brewery Brewmaster Larry Sidor’s new Bend brewery (formerly 856 Brewing and “Yet To  Be Named”): Crux Fermentation Project. In addition to the post I ran, Lisa Morrison has the story, as does Brian Yaeger (who was actually the first to hear the official new name but was tied to a print article). And today the New School has part one of an exclusive interview with Larry Sidor which is good reading.

Other breaking news (again thanks to Lisa Morrison): John Harris is leaving Full Sail to start his own brewpub. “Harris says on Monday, he told his Full Sail bosses, Irene Firmat and Jamie Emmerson — along with the other employee-owners of Full Sail — that he was leaving the brewing company to pursue his dream of opening his own brewpub in Portland. Harris says he will work at Full Sail through April. Harris says he has raised “about half” of the money he feels he needs to set sail with his dream, already has found brewing equipment and is now looking for a space.” Harris is also a former Deschutes Brewery brewer, I believe their first, and he’s credited with creating Mirror Pond Pale Ale and Black Butte Porter (among others).

Ninkasi (Eugene) is featuring “Pints for a Cause” today where 25% of all their pint sales from the tasting room will be donated to a charitable cause: “NextStep Recycling. They provided technology and training to children and adults who have barriers to employment and education, while protecting our environment and community from hazardous waste. Music from 6-7pm. Come on down and join us in supporting this awesome organization!”

And Ninkasi’s got two new limited-release beers hitting the shelves: Helles Belles, a German Helles lager originally brewed for the Oregon Brewers Festival, and Commonwealth, commemorating the City of Eugene’s 150th anniversary. New School has the details.

The Spring Wine & Beer Fest is coming up in less than two weeks—on April 6th and 7th at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. Beer from a variety of breweries will be pouring both days from noon until 11pm, along with wine, food, a special cheese and chocolate feature, and there are a decent lineup of brewers in attendance. Pricing is a little different on this one, with $5 to gain entry, $10 for the mug separately (or wine glass, if that’s your preference), and then the tokens for $1 each. (Of course there are packages as well.) Oh and the first 1000 people get free admission on both days. Mark your calendars!