Over the years the ceremony performed at the Milwaukee Beer Festival has changed a bit. Since the festival is a fundraiser for Vietnam related charities, we began the 2001 festival with a Presentation of Colors by the VFW Post #9469 Charles Fidler Green Barets.
Immediately after that we had a 21 flower salute. Volunteers placed flowers into a vase, while a bell tolled in the background.
Then the Festmaster informed everyone that if there was anything wrong with the festival it was his fault. He also made a few important announcements, like telling people how to find the bathrooms.
The brewers brought their beer forward and Fr. Edward Lisowski performed "The Blessing of the Bock." After the beer was blessed, everyone had a chance to sample it.