Seattle will be once again hosting the first round judging center for the National Homebrew Competition Northwest Region this year.

In order to make this event as successful as it has been in the past, we need all judges to turn out and provide quality judging for approximately 750 entries, with the flight winners (1-3) going on to the final round in Grand Rapids, Michigan (in conjunction with the National Homebrewers Conference).

In addition to judges we will need plenty of stewards to help the competition run smoothly.

We will be judging on April 4th and 5th at the Pyramid Alehouse across from Safeco Field. A continental style breakfast will be provided in the morning along with lunch between provided between sessions.

In an effort to say "thank you" to all volunteers this year, one lucky volunteer will receive a complimentary pass to this year's National Homebrewers' Conference in Grand Rapids. One lucky volunteer will be randomly drawn by the AHA from the pool of competition staff, judges, and stewards for each Judge Center. In addition, we will also be handing out some cool swag throughout the sessions via a raffle.

Registration for judges and stewards whom have entries in the competition will be able to register to judge or steward through the NHC Application Registration page (http://apply.brewingcompetition.com) upon notification of their competition site and the number of entries allowed. Non-entrant volunteers will be able to sign up to judge and steward after the databases are populated with the competition entrants. So, expect sometime after February 19 or so.

In addition to judging on the 4th and 5th, we will also need help with entry processing on Saturday afternoon, March 22nd. For entry processing, please use the contact links at the main registration site to send the organizers a note.

For those of you that are in need of accommodations the Silver Cloud Hotel - Seattle Stadium is offering a discounted rate for those volunteering for the competition. The cutoff date for making reservations under the discounted price is March 14, 2014. Reservations can be mad online at www.silvercloud.com/seattlestadium use the group code and password below or by calling (206)204-9800 and using the reference HOMEBREW.

Group code: HOMEBREW

Password: SEATTLE

Location: Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant 1201 First Avenue South Seattle, WA 98134

Judging Dates: Friday, April 4th 5:30pm (1 session)

Saturday, April 5th, 8:30am (2 sessions)

Entry Processing: Sunday, March 22nd, 1:00 PM

Thanks and we look forward to seeing you there!

Jeremy Allison – Competition Organizer

Steve Antoch – Judge Director