In a word, NO! Camp sites are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. We will be at capacity for camping space. If you are just two people, in a campsite, you will need to share with other campers who arrive later. That way everyone has a place to set up their tents. We are all homebrewers, with a spirit of camaraderie, ingenuity and love to share, right?

Since this is something we have never done before, it is a bit of a "work in progress"! We expect 20-25 Mystery Hop Challenge beers, in addition to all the West Coast IPA's. This means possibly 50+ beers to pour! Our projected capacity is 26 taps. Hmm, math problem here...!

We are going to split the competition into two shifts: MHC beers first on the taps, West Coast IPA's second. To make this happen, we will need your help! Here is the general plan:

• Please bring your MHC and West Coast IPA to the Keg Comp Tent in the center of the festival grounds before 11AM Saturday morning.
• Bring your recipe for your Mystery Hop Challenge beer.
• Bring your gas/cobra tap set-up. We may need these if there are more than 26 beers in either category.
• Make sure your keg has your Club Name on it! We will tag everyone's keg with an entry number.
• Help move the West Coast IPA's into our beer trailer for cold storage.
• MHC beers on tap from 12-2.
• West Coast IPA's will be on tap from 2:30-4:30
• Pick up your kegs from the Keg Comp Tent at 5:00

Successfully making this happen depends on everyone having their kegs to the center, on time, labeled, ready to go. Late-comers will really make this an all-day affair for those of us setting this up--we'd like to enjoy the festival, too!

Voting for best of the fest beers will happen after that, with the decision announced under the big tent, as usual.

Each years' festival includes a beer competition in two beer styles. Clubs can submit one beer in each of the two styles (that's two kegs total for any one club).

If you want to submit your beer(s) here's what you need to provide:

• Clubs need to provide the beer in a korny keg only (no Sanke)
• A Ball Lock or Pin Lock BEER OUT for each beer, with hose and cobra tap
• A GAS IN fitting for each beer, with hose
• Dispensing CO2 cylinder/regulator
• A container to keep your beer cold.

We connect the kegs to the jockey box for anonymous tasting. We have only so much space on the tap board. We try to accommodate as many brewers as possible, so once the board is filled we set up beers on cobra taps (hence the additional hardware we need).

We do not assign locations for booths. Spots are on a first come, first served – with 2 exceptions. The raffle booth is between the stage and the registration booth. The registration booth is next to the bridge.

The clubs that are running those booths will have their club booths next to the appropriate booth they manage.

We provide clubs with approximately 10' x 10' of space on the festival grounds, one 8' banquet table, one 4-gang electrical drop, and approximately 2 -20# bags of ice for your beer (more if we can, depending on weather and demand).

NO! No vehicles are allowed on the grass field. There are areas along the perimeter road to park and unload your vehicles. Everything must be hauledHowever, Lake Francis does have "Mules", golf-cart vehicles, to haul heavy items across the grass. The staff at Lake Francis is very helpful, all you need to do is ask nicely. Your fellow home brewers are also usually willing to lend a hand, too!

Dogs/pets are allowed. However, they must be leashed at all times and not on the open festival grounds, but can be inside or at the back of club booths. They are allowed in the campground areas, also on a leash.

No pets are allowed in retreat, deluxe, mini deluxe cabins, or park model units. Pets are allowed in RV, tent, and rustic cabins. Your pet must NOT be left unattended--please don't bring your animal to Lake Francis, then leave them in the camp site while you are at the festival!

While the main festival green doesn't open until Saturday morning at 11, many clubs arrive mid-day Friday to set up their camp sites and build their booths. As long as you are done in time for Hoppy Hour....

What you bring is up to you, but the most important element? Quality Beer! All attendees receive a taster glass upon admission to the festival grounds. In addition to beer, you will want or need to provide:

• All hardware required to serve your beer, such as CO2, taps, jockey box/cold box or
• A place to keep the beer cold (limited ice provided)
• Food to serve
• Water, water, and more water – keep hydrated!
• Chairs for sitting (its a long day to stand the whole time)
• Booth decorations or other club/beer paraphernalia. (look at the photos page for ideas from past fests)

In addition to beer tasting, club keg competition, and a themed event, there are two other club "competitions". First is the "Best Themed Booth", and second is "Best Booth Food". These are open to all attending clubs. There is a ballot available to all attendees on which to vote for your favorite. Exact rules are posted in the center fest grounds by the keg club competition board.

Keep it simple, but bring clothes to fit the weather common to the Sierra Foothills. It can be low 90º's in the peak of the day, and drop into the high 40º's at night. We've had rain (the day before), and very chilly nights too, so pack appropriately.

Typically, shorts and T's during the day, a sweatshirt for the early evening, and jackets and/or sweaters for the evening. Think layers!