As we roll through the month of May we tap into several local, regional and nation-wide events that celebrate lots of the things we love! We already saw the kick-off of the Saturday Growers and Crafters Market in front of Standing Stone on Oak St. We now have our favorite local growers and producers just steps away every week through November. We also cheered a group of seven Standing Stone runners last weekend who participated in the Avenue of the Giants. It’s an annual race in Humbolt Redwoods National Park, with 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon events. Next week, we raise our glasses and celebrate two more events, American Craft Beer Week and Go By Bike Week, May 13-19th.

American Craft Beer Week is organized by the Brewer’s Association (BA) and encourages craft breweries, beer sellers and beer lovers around the country to join in festivities and promote our talented American microbreweries. Last year the BA saw record participation with all 50 states holding special events and 35,000 beer lovers following in the Facebook community. Every year we mix it up and participate in new ways – here’s what on deck for the 2013 celebration:

• We’ll highlight a new beer every day! We have five beers we keep on our menu year-round and two seasonal specialties on tap for the occasion. Ask for a free taste of the beer-of-the-day, and check out our specials board for flavorsome food and beer pairing ideas. We’ll also feature each beer-of-the-day on our blog, writing all about ingredients, flavors, pairings and more.

• We’re raising our glasses for the nation-wide toast on Thursday, May 16th at 5pm. Across the country, participating breweries and independent beer lovers are invited to take a moment to cheer our unified appreciation of craft beer. Join us with either a free sampler of beer or your own pint and show your dedication to quality American beer.

• Brewer Larry Chase will host three sessions of brewery tours and tastings on Saturday, May 18th. Come in for a walk-through of our brew deck and try a couple of our house-made beers on tap. Tours are scheduled for 12pm, 1pm and 2pm, and there’s no need to sign up – just jump in to the group.

We’re also supporting goRogueValley.org’s Go By Bike Week, a local celebration in the middle of the League of American Bicyclist’s National Bike Month. During Go By Bike Week, several local businesses in Southern Oregon are offering both early morning coffee and snacks, and “happy hour” free food gatherings for anyone commuting by bike. We’re setting aside the outside patio from 4-6pm on Tuesday, May 14th for all bike commuters and supplying appetizers for hungry appetites. We’ll have lots of Standing Stone employees joining in and riding their bikes to work all week. Visit goRogueValley.org for the full schedule of local events and pledge to ride for the opportunity to win discounts and prize drawings.

There are plenty of opportunities to join us in the fun this month, so mark your calendar with any of our upcoming events and celebrate craft beer, bike commuting and thriving communities in our valley and across the country.