In celebration of Steamworks Brewing Co.’s 10^th Anniversary, the popular Durango brewpub will host the Inaugural Brewers Olympics and Beer Festival on Sat., Sept. 23, 2006, beginning at Noon. The La Plata County Humane Society will be the beneficiary of the festivities.

Breweries from around the state and region – including New Belgium, Wynkoop, Bristol, Oskar Blues, Flying Dog, Palisade, San Luis Valley, Mountain Sun, Smugglers, Chama River and Three Rivers, plus locals Ska and Carver’s – are converging to participate in a series of challenging and fun-filled “Olympic� events. The public is invited to come by the Steamworks Durango parking lot, or stake out a prime seat on the deck, to cheer on their favorites in the Beer Ball Battle, Redneck Keg Rodeo, 10oz Quickdraw Showdown, Bung Bobbing and Keg Roll race.

Beer from all breweries competing in the Brewers Olympics will be on tap at Steamworks and served to spectators and guests throughout the festivities. Ten-oz. commemorative sampler glasses will be available for $5, with refills of the participating breweries’ brews for $2. These beer sales benefit the Humane Society.

“This will be something like the Snowdown Waiter/Waitress Races kicked up a notch,� said Brian McEachron, Steamworks director of sales and marketing, and co-founder. “Steamworks and the craft brewing industry as a whole are about fun, camaraderie and partnerships. This anniversary event celebrates all of these and more.�

As part of the celebration, Steamworks will also host a juried art show in the brewpub. Merging the Humane Society and beer, the show is titled “Hair of the Dog,� and is open to all two-dimensional works that fit with the theme. Artwork must be delivered to the brewpub on Sept. 18, between 8 and 11 a.m. along with the $20 entry fee. The show will debut on Friday night, Sept. 22, as part of Durango’s Fall Gallery Walk, with the cash and prizes for the winning works announced at that time. The Humane Society receives $10 of every entry fee.

Adding music to the mix over the weekend, DJ Melanie Moore will spin a Dinner set, 5-8 p.m. on Fri., Sept. 22, and return on Sat., Sept. 23 with a Dance set 10:30 to closing.