Alberta Beer Week is taking place Oct. 15 to 23, a time when the City of Airdrie was encouraging patrons to raise a glass to Airdrie’s craft beer community.
“There is a sense of camaraderie and collaboration forming as the industry grows,” City of Airdrie Tourism Development Officer Shauna Quinn said of local breweries, in a written statement.
She added that last year, Airdrie’s micro-breweries Fitzsimmons Brewing, Balzac Craft Brewing Company, and 948 Brewing even collaborated on the appropriately named Next 3 Exits IPA. Local traffic themed brews can also be found in Fitzsimmons’ East Lake Amber, and 948 Brewing’s Rail Crossing.
According to Alberta Beer, #ABBeerWeek is a province-wide celebration of Alberta-made indie and craft beer production.
“We bring together the gorgeous people who make and sell beer with the equally gorgeous people who love local brews,” the website stated.
This past week week, Airdronians were able to grab a cold one from any of the three breweries around the city, visit a local restaurant for a pint, purchase a six-pack, or fill a growler at Sierra Springs Liquor Store or Angry Bear Growler.
Supporting local liquor distributors also ties into the City’s and Airdrie Chamber of Commerce’s celebration of Small Business Week, which is being held from Oct. 17 to 23.
“As you can imagine, more than ever, we need to continue to support local. These businesses have been hit hard,” Airdrie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marilyne Aalhus said.
She added the City’s economic development team has collaborated with the chamber to bring forward a range of initiatives to mark the occasion.
According to the City of Airdrie website, Oct. 18 was ‘Local Cyber Monday.’ On that day, Airdronians were encouraged to peruse the new e-commerce platform Chamber Market and purchase products from local vendors.
Oct. 19 was set to be ‘Feedback Frenzy,’ encouraging locals to give reviews and show their support for area businesses on social media.
‘What’s New Wednesday,’ on Oct. 20 highlighted more than 400 businesses that launched in Airdrie in 2021, according to the website.
Before the week is capped off with ‘Beer Fri-Yay’ on Oct. 22, Thursday, Oct. 21 is dedicated to celebrating the success of small business at the chamber’s annual Airdrie Business Awards gala.
Quinn said local breweries support many community initiatives and events, and this week was the perfect time to celebrate them for everything they do.
“Let’s all taste the taps in Airdrie this week to celebrate our local brew masters, distributors and agricultural producers,” her statement read.
She added that all three local breweries have tap rooms for tasting, and also provide tours and special event nights.
Supporting the upcoming celebration of province-made beer is a good deed, according to Quinn, who explained that craft beer provides a sustainable ecosystem of product and boosts the local economy at the same time.
Fitzsimmons Brewing will be releasing three casks during Alberta Beer Week, with those events being held on Oct. 16 to kick off festivities, and Oct. 22 and 23 to wrap up the celebrations.
Balzac Craft Brewing Company is located at 305-401 Coopers Boulevard, Fitzsimmons Brewing Company is located at 4-220 East Lake Boulevard, and 948 Brewing Company is located at 104–541 Kingsview Way SE.
For more information about Alberta Beer Week, visit alberta.beer/alberta-beer-week/ or to learn more about the local craft beer scene, visit the City’s website.
