Prince George, B.C. – Beer lovers will be “hopping” to the Robson Valley for the Valemount Craft Beer Experience the weekend of June 16 and 17.

The two-day festival is more than just a chance to drink some great craft beer though says spokesperson Michael Lewis.

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“It’s a festival but we’ve titled it the Valemount Craft Beer Experience because we’ve set it up as a destination event,” he says.

Friday night is the “Meet the Brewers” cask and keg event (at the Best Western Hotel) while the main event Saturday at the Valemount Airport will be a block party style beer festival featuring seven breweries, one winery (Northern Lights out of PG), one cidery, food trucks and live music.

In between all that on Saturday will be a chance to see what the region has to offer be it white water rafting, horseback riding or even discounted helicopter rides.

Lewis, who also owns Three Ranges Brewing Company in Valemount and is a veteran himself, says part of the proceeds will go to Communities for Veterans – a Quesnel based organization focused on raising awareness of contemporary veterans and assisting them shift back into civilian life.

“So, the goal is to reintroduce the Canadian citizen to their veterans and in the same respect help veterans transition out of the military and back into their communities.”

He says proceeds will also go the local Legion in Valemount, to the Valemount Arts & Cultural Society for helping organize the event, and finally to help bankroll next year’s festival.

Lewis adds this year’s event has already sold-out.

“I’m overwhelmed by it. At one point, I was really stressed and worried about it but then all of a sudden sales starting picking up out of nowhere. I’m pleased and over the moon.”