On July 21, 2007, the Opti Park will be the home to the 12th Annual Microbrewer's Fest. The event runs from 3pm to 7pm. Opti Park is located just east of College Avenue on 66th Street.

"It's an educational beer tasting for charity," owner of the Broad Ripple Brewpub and a member of the fest's committee John Hill said. The Microbrewer's Fest will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Optimist International and, in the past, has raised over $300,000 for such organizations as the Humane Society and the Indianapolis Art Center.

Over 20 Indiana breweries and 15 out-of-state breweries will be featured at the Microbrewer's Fest with local village favorites, the Broad Ripple Brewpub and Brugge Brasserie, and well-known brewers, Goose Island and Bell's. Visitors to the Microbrewer's Fest will be given a free commemorative tasting glass with unlimited 2 oz. sampling pours. About a half dozen brewers will be making "replica ale," according to Hill, with each brewer working with the same type of beer but producing a different tasting product based on different brewing processes, water usage, etc. New this year is a tent designated for a mainly European style of beer Hill called "cask conditioned" in which beer ferments in the keg.

Other events include a keg toss, a dunk tank and bands all day. Available food will be provided by BadaBoomz, Hoghead's BBQ and Yats.

Tickets are available for $30 in advance at Indianapolis Marsh stores, Indianapolis Crown Liquor stores, some local breweries and online at www.brewersofindianaguild.com. Tickets will also be available at the door for $35. With 2500 visitors last year, Hill encourages fans to buy tickets in advance.

"The thought is that we'll sell out this year, so get tickets fast!" he said.