Well, I went down to Guerneville on Saturday, to the Russian River Beer Revival & BBQ Cookoff. I went with a buddy of mine; not to cover it for the site, but to actually go out and enjoy myself. No video camera, "maybe I'll just bring my camera for stills", I thought. On the drive over, I found myself sort of making excuses about the event to my friend, questioning my own enthusiasm for it in the past. Maybe my judgment was off that day? Maybe I had a few too many beers and convinced myself it was better than it actually was? I mean it's just a bunch of people barbecuing and pouring beer, right? How exciting can that be? I didn't want to let my friend down, so I played it off as no big deal.

We arrived a little early and were allowed entrance before the official opening. We kind of mulled around, checking out the scene and people putting on the finishing touches to their offerings. There was anticipation in the air, but it was understated, very subtle. The gates opened, people started flooding in, the band began to play and within minutes the vibe completely transformed from subtle anticipation to full blown banter and laughter. It was like someone had turned on the "good times" switch. Then it came back to me...the reason why I like this festival so much... it's the people. The vibe is so friendly, strangers stopping strangers, just to shake their hand. Seriously, I don't think there is a more friendly place on earth. Chit chat and conversation comes as easy as just simply saying "hello" to the person standing next to you. It's like the people that come to the the Russian River Beer Revival have this unspoken rule to just be friendly and to be yourself. Truely remarkable.

Needless to say, I shot a little video with my picture camera. The quality is a little cheesy, but I think it captures the feel a little, but in no way does the event justice. The event was taken to an even higher level this year, more beer vendors, more people barbecuing, 3 bands and the overall layout was improved. Two big thumbs up from my buddy and me. Sometimes high watermarks from the past are actually bested when you revisit them!

New pictures are incomplete, but can be found here. Russian River Beer Revival & BBQ Cookoff