Summer Events Portland Oregon

July 11-13, 2008 Baxter Auto Parts Portland Historic Races (32nd Annual) Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily $10 to $40 (children 12 and under free with adult) www.portlandhistorics.com or 818-249-3515

The Portland Historic Races features an annual entry list of more than 200 prestigious historic race cars, all of which have been restored to the way they were when they originally raced decades ago. The cars are divided into groups according to make, age and horsepower, then raced at high speeds to their full potential, delighting enthusiasts just as they did in their heyday. This year's theme honors Women in Motorsports, and one of the racegroups will be comprised solely of women drivers. Another group will feature two-dozen historic stock cars from the famous NASCAR series.

The Portland Historic Races features an open paddock, allowing fans the opportunity to walk right up to the cars, some of which are the most historic and valuable sports and racing cars in the world. The event also presents a visual display of more than 700 collector cars and hot rods; an upscale food and wine chalet; a kid zone; an autocross; and a vendor midway. The event is a fundraiser for the Community Transitional School, a Portland-based organization that provides important educational services to children who are homeless or otherwise at risk of school failure.

July 23, 2008 Oregon Brewers Dinner Tom McCall Waterfront Park, SW Pine St and Bill Naito Parkway 6 to 8:30 p.m. $50 www.oregonbeer.org or 503-288-2739/800-440-2537

The Oregon Brewers Dinner is an annual barbecue held the eve of the Oregon Brewers Festival. The event is attended by beer writers, brewers, beer industry suppliers and beer lovers from around the world. Attendance at this gathering is limited to 600. The ticket price includes dinner, a souvenir glass, and six beer scrip, good for one-half pint each. The event features more than 20 specialty beers, brewed and donated by the Brewery Members of the Oregon Brewers Guild, that are not available at the Oregon Brewers Festival. Proceeds from the dinner help the Oregon Brewers Guild spread the word about great native Oregon beers.

July 24, 2008 Oregon Brewers Brunch & Parade, presented by Widmer PGE Park, 1844 SW Morrison 9 a.m. to Noon $20 www.oregonbrewfest.com or 503-778-5917

The Oregon Brewers Brunch and Parade presented by Widmer is them official kick off to the Oregon Brewers Festival. The event begins with a traditional brunch followed by an old-fashioned parade of nearly 300 brewers and beer lovers, accompanied by marching band music. The parade will wind its way for approximately one mile through Portland sidewalks to the opening ceremonies and the tapping of the inaugural keg of the 21st annual Oregon Brewers Festival. Tickets include brunch, Widmer beer, a t-shirt and a 2008 Oregon Brewers Festival festival mug (good all weekend long).

July 24-27, 2008 Oregon Brewers Festival (21st Annual)Tom McCall Waterfront Park, SW Oak St and Bill Naito Parkway Noon to 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday Free Admission www.oregonbrewfest.com or 503-778-5917

In 1933 the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution repealed the 18th Amendment, which had mandated nationwide Prohibition. Since the Oregon Brewers Festival - one of the nation's longest-running and best-loved craft beer festivals - turns 21 this year, the event finds it fitting to celebrate the ratification of the 21st Amendment during its four-day course.

Seventy-two craft breweries from 16 different states will each send one product to serve at the event, hailed by many industry experts and beer fans alike as the premier craft beer festival in the nation. A 73rd beer, Collaborator, is a joint project between members of the Oregon Brew Crew homebrewing club and WidmerBrothers Brewing Co. More than 60,000 beer connoisseurs annually travel from around the world to sample the vast number of beer styles, which highlight the influences that different regions have on the brewing process.

Joining the breweries are industry exhibits by hop growers, homebrewers, breweriana collectors, and national beer writers. Four days of live music showcases the best high-energy talent the Northwest has to offer. Food booths sell meals and alternative beverages, while the Crater Lake Soda Garden provides handcrafted sodas free of charge to minors and designated drivers. Minors are allowed into the event when accompanied by a parent.

Admission to the festival grounds is free; a 2008 souvenir mug costing $5 is required for consuming beer. The mug is good for all four days, and mugs from previous years will not be filled. All beer is purchased with tokens, which cost $1 apiece. Patrons pay four tokens for a full mug of beer, or one token for a taste. Sales of mugs and tokens cease 1/2-hour each evening prior to the close of the event.

Alternative modes of transportation are encouraged, with free bicycle parking available each day. The main entrance is at SW Oak Street and Naito Parkway and is located one block from the MAX Light Rail line.