Big Lick Beertopia 2012 | A Celebration of Craft Beer - Saturday, June 9th

It's that time of year again! I get super excited with each new announcement of the craft beer festivals popping up around the country - and even more so when they are local!

You may remember last year when I attended the First Annual Big Lick Brewtopia held at LewisGale Field, home of Salem Red Sox. I had an awesome experience with some of my readers last year, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how the event grows as people start to talk.

This year the newly-named Big Lick Beertopia will again be held - rain or shine! - from 12-6 PM at the stadium.

Just as last year, a portion of the proceeds from the event will go to benefit 4 different charities: Camp Virginia Jaycee, CHIP of Roanoke Valley, Food Pantry and Easter Seals. Is there a better way to have a great time AND help people at the same time in Central Virginia?!

There will be live music from The Materia Project and Corey Hunley, cornhole to play in the infield, and beer & cider from 19 different breweries celebrating Virginia craft and well-known micros from all over the country!

Also, new this year there will be a homebrew competition held by the Star City Brewers Guild. There will be four categories: Light, Amber, Dark and Specialty. Each competitor can enter up to three categories, and beer drop off is May 19th & 20 from 10-2, or the 21st from 10-5 at the ballpark - with completed paperwork and fees. Winners could have their beer brewed by Central VA's own Roanoke Railhouse!

This event looks to be another fun filled day - and tickets are currently only $20 for ten pours or $30 for 20! (Happy Hour pricing until May 16th). VIP packages can also be purchased and include a t-shirt, all-you-can-eat access to the VIP tent/lounge and a full-color pint glass.

I look forward to seeing you guys there!

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