Tidbits: Zapp’s International Beer Festival coming up … Enter the 2012 Sweet Rewards contest and more

Oktoberfest comes early to Baton Rouge for the annual Zapp’s International Beer Festival at the Rural Life Museum on Saturday, March 24. Guests can sample from more than 200 foreign and domestic beers and ales, as well as a glut of beers from Baton Rouge’s many proud backyard homebrewers. Jambalaya and non-alcoholic beverages are likewise available, and all proceeds will benefit LSU’s beautiful Rural Life Museum. Passes are limited to 1,500 fun seekers, so make sure to get your tickets in advance. $30 per person. More information at zappsbeerfest.com. It’s your chance to let your sweet potato recipe shine as the Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission, along with Louisiana Cookin’ magazine, invites all cooks, amateur and professional, to showcase their culinary creativity with one of the most nutritious and versatile vegetables around. The commission is hosting its ninth annual Sweet Rewards Recipe Contest for fresh, canned and frozen sweet potatoes. Interested cooks can enter an original sweet potato recipe in one of five categories, including professional, appetizers, side dishes, entrées and desserts. Multiple entries from one individual will be accepted. There is no entry fee. You can find out more through the commission’s website at sweetpotato.org.Looking for the perfect girls-only happy hour? Why not try Wonderful Women’s Wednesdays at Tallulah Crafted Food and Wine Bar? Every Wednesday evening, women receive half-off of every delectable bottle, glass and demi. And if you’re in the mood for something savory and sweet, Tallulah will be serving an Infinity Plate for $5 with endless cheese, fruit and chocolate. There are also monthly wine features with vineyard professionals on-site, for those who want to get serious about their sommelier skills. More information at the restaurant’s Facebook page.