It’s that time of year again when Portlanders really prove their merit by enjoying frosty cold beers outdoors in December during a time when the average high is 46 degrees and the average monthly rainfall is the cities highest at about 6.75 inches.

Of course the ‘outdoors’ is really a well-heated tent in Pioneer Courthouse Square and the frosty beverages are the warm-you-to-your-core-rich-malty-goodness-of-a-big-winter-ale type, so fear not newcomers, this is the place to be Thurs-Sat from 11am to 10pm (and noon-6 on Sunday)

The Holiday Ale Festival is the chance for the local and regional brewers to really show off their creativity and go just nuts making these super strong super tasty beers. The beers have great names like “Ho Ho Homo Erectus”, “Blizzard of Ozz”, “Sled Crasher” and “Papa Noel’s Olde Ale” and they’re strong – ranging from 6-12% alcohol (The MAX practically pulls up to the tent and then you don’t have to walk or drive!)

Sadly this year it doesn’t coincide with SantaCon 2006 – but there’s bound to be a few jolly fellows here nonetheless!

I have only one request for anyone going to the fest: Yes, I know it says that minors can attend when accompanied by their parents – but it’s REALLY not a good idea. Unlike the summer and spring brewfests – this one is in a rather confined space and there is nowhere for them to go and run and be kids. There is also no room for a stroller – or even a kiddie backpack – one women last year kept knocking innocent beer drinkers over every time she turned around – let alone the whiplash she gave the poor kid.

So I’ll see you there – I’ll be the one with the beer in hand and the rosy cheeked grin.