August 30,2006 Newport, Oregon --What was once called the Newport MicroBrew Festival has shifted focus, expanded and changed its name to "A Taste of Newport."

Now, the festival and celebration of Oregon coast brews and wines always held in October has become this all-inclusive entity, embracing families and people of all ages.


A Taste of Newport is a destination event geared toward tourists visiting during the Columbus Day weekend, as well as local residents.

The festival is set for Friday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct. 7. It will feature many booths and displays of Oregon coast businesses, attractions, services and products that locals and visitors to the area would find in Newport. Friday and Saturday evenings will offer live music.

Like last year's MicroBrew festival, this year's event will be held at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. "We decided to go a different route this time and incorporate the family friendly element more, thus expanding our appeal and broadening the audience," said Lorna Davis, interim director of the Newport Chamber of Commerce. "It's held on the Friday and Saturday of a three-day holiday weekend, and we think that offers a lot more possibilities for people looking for something to do when they're getting away from the valley."

There will be a few beer and wine vendors, with the focus now on the cuisine of the Newport area of the Oregon coast, as well as its arts and crafts and local attractions. The Hatfield Marine Science Center will also have a presence at the festival.

The change in direction is an exciting one, Davis said, with expectations high for greater attendance numbers and thus more economic impact locally. "This year's event will serve as a template for the following years," she said.

The Yaquina Bay Yacht Club will be holding its Columbus Day Regatta the same weekend, racing through the bay just blocks from the fairgrounds. "Visitors coming to Newport can enjoy both the Taste of Newport Festival and the regatta in one weekend," said Davis.

Festival hours will be 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children. Parking is free.

For more information, or to register as a vendor, contact the Newport Chamber of Commerce at 800-262-7844 or (541) 265-8801 or visit www.newportchamber.org.

The festival is also seeking bands and musicians from the western half of Oregon to apply for performing at the festival.