From a press release.  NOTE: Maryland homebrewers only.
Frederick's Original Ale Makers, FOAM, are pleased to announce the third annual Battle of the Bubbles.  This homebrew competition is held each spring as part of Frederick Beer Week, which this year runs from May 11th through the 18th.
 
For 2013, the competition is bigger and better than ever, with organizers expecting over 100 entries across 10 BJCP recognized styles. BoB III is accepting entries under the following BJCP categories: 2) Pilsner, 4) Dark Lager, 10) American Ale (but no American Pale Ale), 11) English Brown Ale, 12) Porter, 14) India Pale Ale (IPA), 15) German Wheat and Rye beer, 16) Belgian and French Ale, 20) Fruit beer and 23) Specialty beer.
 
Entries can be registered online now at http://bob.brewcomp.com. Brewers must enter two bottles for each entry to the competition. On April 12th, homebrewers interested in competing may begin dropping their entries off to the Flying Barrel in Frederick or to Maryland Homebrew in Columbia. All entries must be received by noon on April 27th.
 
The first round of judging is closed to the public but will take place on May 5th. Judges and stewards are encouraged to register at the website now. The top two beers judged in each category on May 5th will move forward to the Best of Show round, held at Barley and Hops on May 14th as a part of Frederick Beer Week. This event is open to the public and will be the release party for last year’s Best of Show winning Battle of the Bubbles beer, a traditional bock brewed by Calvin Perilloux and the head brewer at Barley and Hops, Larry Pomerantz. At this event, ribbons and prizes from our generous supporters will be awarded. Get your brew kettles going, we hope to see you at Barley and Hops.
 
FOAM, Maryland's largest homebrewing club was founded in 1980 by Bob Frank, owner of The Flying Barrel. Active membership for the club in 2012 was 125 members. According to Mike Lamb, FOAM membership coordinator and co-organizer for Battle of the Bubbles, it is likely that membership in 2013 will grow. FOAM, a collection of beer enthusiasts interested in sharing ideas and techniques, is on the quest to brew the ultimate beer. However, it is not necessary to be a brewer to join FOAM; all that is required is an interest in learning about and enjoying quality beer. Monthly meetings consist of information and beer sharing (both homebrew and craft beer) to get opinions and pointers on how to improve the beer.