National Recognition
There are genuinely nationwide events as well. The American Homebrew Association coordinates a project called “Big Brew,” on National Homebrew Day (surprise!), the first Saturday in May. The idea is to get lots of people brewing at sites across the country at the same time. Sites are typically backyards, but Chuck Skypeck of Bosco’s brewpub in Memphis hosts the local club in his parking lot, and goes so far as to provide participants with brewery-fresh wort for their beers. This year, 196 registered sites across five continents brewed 5,235 gallons of homebrew.
Next June, Chicagoland brewers will proudly host the 25th annual National Homebrew Conference, sponsored by the American Homebrew Association, but for the last few years run mostly by local homebrew clubs. “Sweet HomeBrew Chicago” will feature a dazzling array of speakers, programs, and good, clean homebrew goofiness. Prizes will be awarded for the best booth at Club Night, and for the club that brings the most beer to the conference. The repertoire on Saturday will expand to include foods, especially those, like cheese, that have a traditional association with beer. Courses in appreciation as well as preparation will precede a lavish “Real Beer, Real Food” tasting event. Check the website, chibeer.org/aha03, to see how things are coming along, or better, to get involved.
