The 2008 Bockfest at Capital Brewery was back in full force this past Saturday at the brewery in Middleton. The beer garden, normally dormant and vacant in the cold winter months sprung to life as thousands of eager beer enthusiasts filled the grounds to get their chance to taste the new stock of Capital's Blonde Doppelbock.

We arrived around 10:20 to be one of the first 105 in line, who all received a free mug (we didn't realize they were selling them for $3 inside, which was worth coming later). There were about 70 people in line in front of us, and the wait went pretty quickly. This was my first Bockfest, so I didn't realize how into it some people got, complete with costumes, belts with 10 mugs, and mighty long lines.

After the MC opened the festivities, literally, with a bang, the drinking commenced. Let's be honest here, this festival was pretty much about the alcohol. With limited food selections capped at pork sandwiches and wings, the focus revolved mostly around consuming some good brews, in my opinion, the best being this year's Maibock, rumored to be one of the best batches they've had in years. Don't get me wrong, either, spending a day with friends, a beautiful day relative to February weather, enjoying some great beers makes for a very enjoyable time for me as much as a slew of other activities.

Other highlights of the day included the fish toss, dodging beads, country music, waiting in line for the bathroom and seeing lots of people you knew. To see all of the pictures from the festivities, check them out here.