It’s hard to believe our humble little competition is only five weeks away. This is where my work as organizer really begins. The medals have been ordered and just about all the sponsors have been recruited. Thanks to Kevin and Richard for stepping up and getting these tasks done.

We can really use more volunteers for our event. As the old adage goes, “Without the enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteers there wouldn’t be an event”. This indeed holds true for the ABC. Areas in need are judges and stewards. Bear in mind if you plan on writing the BJCP exam sometime in the future or if you are already a member of the BJCP. your experience points earned from volunteering at competitions such as ours will be added to your membership profile. I will be at the meeting Monday, May 3rd canvassing for more volunteers. Whether you can volunteer for one day or two hours your help is greatly appreciated and will be utilized efficiently.

By now I hope you have your brewing done and have selected your entries for our competition. We are striving to surpass the 300 entry level this year. Regina is also out to achieve the same goal. I believe we can achieve this - in fact I know we can. We’ve had great support from our sponsors - so much that we have over $1000 in prizes to dish out. Please thank them by supporting their businesses. During the competition we will be raising funds for the club by selling raffle tickets for a beer fridge equipped with a programmable thermostat courtesy of club members Bruce Sample and Mark Nesdoly. The draw will be during the Hot Break Conference.

Thanks to webmaster extraordinaire Jim Whittome and organizer Neil Herbst the brochure and entry form are now posted on our website www.ehg.ca Any information pertaining to the Aurora Brewing Challenge can be found here or send me an email if you have any other concerns. Our Newsletter editor Bob Boufford did a fantastic job in streamlining the new entry forms for multiple entries. Brewers sending in multiple entries can now breathe a huge sigh of relief. Thanks Bob for freeing up some of our time to watch the playoffs!!

For you out-of-towners sending your entries via Parcel Post I took a look at Canada Post’s website www.canadapost.ca for regular parcel delivery periods. For someone living in Ontario this could take up to 8 business days to have a parcel received in Edmonton. For entries coming from our friends in the U.S. expect even longer. Friday May 28th is the last day for receiving entries so please allow sufficient time for Canada Post to “move the mail”.

I look forward to seeing you at the May club meeting.