Get ready to rumble

Not all of this year’s Craft Beer Week action belongs to the pros.

The second annual Battle of the Homebrews returns Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at a new venue, the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.

The larger location compared to last year’s Greyhound Park in Post Falls allows for more public attendance, but the number of competitors still is limited to 50, says organizer Matt Isom of the nonprofit Spokane Eastside Reunion Association.

 “We want to keep this reputable,” Isom says. “It’s not a cattle call.”

Like last year, the winning recipe in the people’s choice voting will be brewed commercially by Waddell’s Brewpub. The Yeasty Boiz, who earned that honor with their My Nilla vanilla/bourbon/oatmeal stout, will be back to defend their title.

This year, there’s also professional judging, with that winner to be brewed by Downdraft. The judging panel includes representatives from Downdraft, Waddell’s, Trickster’s and Crafted Tap House.

Admission is $20 at the door, which gets you a voting card that includes five 5-ounce beer samples (advance discount tickets at two for $30 are available online). Additional cards are $5 each.

There’s also food from Longhorn Barbecue, live music by Strange Brew, assorted vendor booths and door prizes.

Two Knights Homebrew is sponsoring the event along with Waddell’s and Downdraft. Proceeds go to the Spokane Eastside Reunion Association, which provides services in the East Central neighborhood including an annual youth basketball camp.