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You've
read all the
literature,
saved your
money, and gotten plenty of beer drinking practice -- but are you
really
ready for a beer festival?
While
not all beer
festivals are created equal, there are
some basic
rules that should always be followed for trouble-free enjoyment.
Whether
you're a festival beginner or a battle-tested beer hunter, the
following
tips will help you get the most out of every event:
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- Plan Ahead. Buy your
tickets early.
Beer festivals
are growing more popular all the time. Early ticket purchase ensures
entrance. You can
see our main Classic
City Brewfest page for ways to purchase tickets early.
- Designate a Driver.
With so many
beers to taste
(and so little time), make sure you have a safe option for getting
home.
Bring a non-drinking friend to do the driving or better yet, bring a
friend
and both of you take a taxi or some other public transportation.
- Take it Easy.
Remember that
the Classic
City Brew Fest offers two ounce samples of beer so that attendees can
enjoy
many tastes of several styles responsibly. The future of our beer
festival depends on all attendees taking care to act in a reponsible
manner
and not overindulging. This is important for everyone's safety.
- Eat Before You Drink.
Don't attack
a beer fest
on an empty stomach. Wolf down a big, carbohydrate-filled lunch for the
energy you'll need to get through the day. Eating slows down the
absorption
of alcohol by your system.
- Wear Spill Gear. Even
the best
poured beers can
sometimes go down the front of your shirt. Dark, absorbent colors are
preferred
to white t-shirts that can easily advertise a spill.
- Protect Your Feet.
Comfort is the
fashion at beer
fests.
- Take Notes. "What was
that great
Belgian Ale you
tasted in row two?" Write in your program book, or bring along a
notepad
to rate your favorite beers and help you remember where to go for
seconds.
You'll also want to buy your favorite beers at your local beer store
after
the fest.
- Accessories Are A
Necessity. Don't
leave home
without some funds to purchase cool glasses, t-shirts, and knickknacks
you will inevitably find on the festival grounds. A camera might also
come in handy.
- Bring a Pin Cushion.
Many
breweries will want
to "pin" you with their logo, so to show your appreciation, bring a
baseball
cap to display your pins with pride.
- Thank a volunteer
pourer. Hey,
these folks work
hard, don't they?
- Don't rush home after
the fest.
Downtown Athens
has plenty of superb restaurants and coffee shops within easy walking
distance
of the festival, so plan to hang out downtown after the fest to relax
and let your beer settle.
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