Loyal MNBeer readers probably already know about, and may have checked out, at least a few of the places mentioned but Tom Horgen’s Star Tribune article, “Looking For Beer in All the Wrong Places,” is worth a read.

Although Flat Earth’s infused Cygnus series is officially over, there are still plenty of reasons not to miss their Thursday growler sales which take place 3:30 – 6:30 pm.

1. They have a limited number of infusions still available, including Trees (hazelnut), Hold Your Fire (peppers), Mystic Rhythms (raspberry), Starman (anise) and Snowdog (peppermint).
2. It’s supposed to snow tomorrow and being stuck at home is better if you have full growlers in your fridge.
3. Jeff, Mike, and the other people you’ll run into there are cool.

Surly will be raffling off 2 pairs of Vikings playoff tickets today (Saturday, January 3) at Stub & Herb’s. One pair will be raffled at 4:00, the other at 10:30. Look for Jim and Beaner.

Sounds like the 2009 date for Arborfest is tentatively set at May 1.  There isn’t any information out there yet regarding confirmation of this, ticket prices, etc., but you may want to hold the date.  Here is a link to the 2008 Arborfest event.  The event is a fund raiser for Family Tree Clinic.  There’s nothing quite like drinking craft beer underneath a condom tree, if you ask me!  Great event…keep your eyes and ears open for ticket info.  We’ll try to stay on top of this.

On Saturday, April 4th, 2009, the Superior Jaycees will be hosting the 12th annual Gitchee Gumee Brewfest.  Now now, keep down the yelling.  I know this isn’t a MN craft beer event in the strictest sense.  But c’mon.  It’s a stone’s throw from Duluth.  Plus many MN breweries attend the event.  In 2008 Schell’s, Flat Earth, Gluek, Lake Superior, Mantorville/St. Croix, Rock Bottom, Summit, and Surly…at least according to the site.  My actually memory of the 2008 event is, understandably, a bit fuzzy.  I seem to recall that not all of these folks were actually there.  Whatever.  It’s a beer event.  What more do you need to know?  Tickets can be purchased from several outlets in the Duluth/Superior area, otherwise you need to mail in your request.  My wife, I and our friends have not had a problem getting tickets in the past.