Beers poured at the NAOBF range from pilsner to porter,
amber ale to Belgian wit, and plenty of Northwest India Pale Ales.
With breweries from across North America, England, Scotland, Germany,
and Belgium the festival showcased some of the finest organic beers
on the planet. Over the last decade organic brewers have carved out
a solid niche within the craft brewing movement, with organic beer
sales growing from $9 million in 2003 to $19 million in 2005, and
to $25 million in 2006, according to the Organic Trade Association.
In its fifth year, the festival will again feature
organic beers from across North America, and Europe. The 2008 event
poured over 75 different organic beers, drew about 15,000 attendees
and raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Oregon
Tilth (a certification body dedicated to organic agriculture), and
brought in hundreds of cans of food for the Oregon Food Bank. The
NAOBF is proud to add Willamette Riverkeeper, a local non-profit organization,
whose sole mission is to protect and restore the Willamette River.
NAOBF organizers strive to make it the most earth friendly
beer festival in North America. Festival attendees sample beer from
compostable corn-starch tasting glasses instead of the heavy plastic
mugs used at other beer festivals. Composting and recycling stations
are provided for festival waste and food vendors are required to use
compostable cutlery and plates. Electricity needs are met with a combination
of biodiesel and solar generators, volunteers wear organic cotton
and hemp t-shirts, and signage is reusable.
The NAOBF promotes sustainable living as well as organic
beer. Sustainability oriented vendors and non-profits set up alongside
brewers. The NAOBF benefits the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, which fights
cancer often caused by agricultural chemicals, the Oregon Tilth, which
promotes organic agriculture, and the Oregon Food Bank, which feeds
the hungry. A diverse program of music runs throughout the event,
and a children’s area provides activities for youngsters. Local
food vendors offer a variety of cuisine from naturally raised local
pork sausages, to organic African cuisine, to veggie dogs.
Overlook
Park features a view of the Willamette River and downtown Portland
and is located on North Interstate Avenue between Failing and Fremont
Street has its own stop on the MAX
Yellow line. Riders of MAX, Portland’s award-winning light
rail system may present their validated ticket for a $1 discount on
the tasting mug. Use the Tri-Met
website for directions from your door to Overlook
Park (1301 N. Fremont St. Portland, OR 97227).
The North American Organic Brewers Festival is presented
by Roots Organic Brewing Company, Portland’s first all-organic
brewery. Brewer-owned Roots is located at 1520 SE 7th Avenue, Portland,
Oregon 97214 just off of Hawthorne Boulevard. 503-235-7668 www.rootsorganicbrewing.com
