The Bend Ale Trail is putting this contest on, which is very cool—and to be clear, the beer that you’ll win is from the Central Oregon breweries on the Ale Trail. So you will have to come here to enjoy it (oh darn, right?).

There’s no need to pinch yourself, because it’s no dream. The Beer for a Year sweepstakes kicks off on May 8, 2012, and one lucky winner will take home a collection of gift certificates totaling approximately $2,400 for Bend’s craft breweries along the Bend Ale Trail.

Beer fans will be able to purchase raffle tickets for $10 each online here or at the Bend Visitor Center in downtown Bend starting May 8. Each ticket serves as one entry into a sweepstakes drawing, and the grand prize winner will be drawn at the inaugural Fermentation Celebration event July 12, 2012 at the Old Mill District. The total retail value of the gift certificates is the approximate equivalent of one free beer, plus tip, every day of the year. Certificates will be redeemable only by the winner, and will be valid for 12 months beginning in July 2012.

All proceeds from the “Beer for a Year Sweepstakes” will go to the Central Oregon chapter of the Oregon Brewers Guild. The winner is not required to be present to win. You must be at least 21 years of age to win.

This is a fantastic contest and yes, I’ll be buying a raffle ticket or two!