Some Friday Beer News for You

Hello fine Beer Northwest blog readers. I've got your Friday kick off here with a few items of beer news worthiness for you:

• The Lake Oswego Review reports the Ram Restaurant and Big Horn Brewery on the Willamette River in Lake Oswego has abruptly closed up shop. No word from Ram as to the reason for the closing. Ram's two other Oregon locations remain open.
• If you happen to be looking for a beer festival this weekend, take note: the latest Widmer newsletter reveals details of the brewery's annual Oktoberfest, set for Saturday, September 6 from 3 to 11:30 pm. The full details are as follows.
  
  "Get your taste buds ready for some authentic full German fun: bier, pretzels, and sausage with kraut. The 4th Annual Widmer Brothers Oktoberfest celebration takes place this Saturday, September 6, from 3 p.m. - 11:30 p.m., at, where else, our Portland, OR brewery.
  
  Widmer's Oktoberfest is a tribute to the world-renowned celebration in Munich, Germany, a 16-day festival which draws more than six million people annually. Our version, although smaller in scale, is huge in Oktoberfest spirit. Just like our German friends', the big day will feature a variety of craft beers, traditional German food, yodelers, accordion players, and live music throughout the day.
  
  The early bird gets the worm, and in this case the "worm" is a preview of our newest beer, a pale ale set to be released in 2009 (and yet to be named). Quantities are extremely limited, so get there quick if you want a taste!
  
  Admission is free (21 and over only) but a 2008 souvenir stein is required for drinking. Ten bucks will get you the stein and two beers. All event purchases can be made with tokens, which cost $1 each - stock up when you arrive and it will feel like everything's free all night!
  
  Oh! And if for some bizarre reason you're not familiar with our brewery, we're located at 929 N. Russell Ave in Portland, OR."