The651.com

When below zero temps fall and ice and snow coat everything in sight – including your car or bike – it’s easy to start doubting why you call Minnesota home. So, let me remind you of some of the perks: skiing and snowboarding; ice skating St. Paul’s gorgeous Wells Fargo WinterSkate outdoor rink; having an excuse to drink earlier – hey, it’s dark out, after all; mulled wine – drinking and making; the annual art shanties on Medicine Lake; the City of Lakes Loppet festival and – one of my favorites – the upcoming annual fest, the Beer Dabbler Winter Carnival.

Marking it’s third year, the Dabbler features a day-long celebration of the art of craft and micro-brewing, not to mention a full day of sampling fit for a beer lover and a beer newbie alike. This year, the festival has expanded its grounds to the St. Paul Farmer’s Market, making it the biggest outdoor winter beer fest in MN.

If you’re new to the Beer Dabbler, don’t worry. There’s plenty to do including a chance to show off your mixology and recipe talents in a home-brew contest presented by Northern Brewer boasting prizes and a opportunity to win the coveted Lord Dabbler’s Cup – a People’s Choice award for excellence in brewery. Watch on as St. Paul’s own Mayor Chris Coleman kicks off the carnival with the annual tapping of the Beer Dabbler Oak Barrel and sip down a special release ale from previous Dabbler Cup winners, Tallgrass Brewing Company, as well as samples from over 200 varieties and 60 breweries while you enjoy access to live music from Pink Mink,

Pink Mink

Romantica and others, strut your dance moves at Leinekugel’s Silent Disco and participate in awesome entertainment like St. Croix Casino’s “Best Dressed of the Fest” contest and minnow races. And – since you shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach – make sure to visit some of St. Paul’s beloved food trucks including Fork in the Road, Potter’s Pasties, Simply Steve’s and GastroTruck who will be cooking up delicious hot treats. Long hail cold weather!

Visit The Beer Dabbler Winter Carnival online for a full list of all the beers set to be sampled at the Dabbler, updates and to snag advance tickets.

When: January 28^th, 4 – 8 p.m., doors at 3:30

Where: Saint Paul Farmer’s Market

Cost: $30 advance, $40 day of

Don’t forget to “like” The Beer Dabbler on FB and follow them on Twitter @BeerDabbler.