Kyle Sampson, manager of northern B.C., Pacific Western Brewing – photo 250News

Prince George, B.C. – Beer lovers will want to hop on over to Pacific Western Brewing this Saturday.

The fun starts when the local brewery holds its annual open house from 11:30-2:30 p.m.

“We’ve got our usual – the free tours, the sampling, the testings, the barbecue, the activities and the games, the live entertainment,” says Kyle Sampson, manager of northern B.C. “And all of it’s free for people to come on down and check out at the brewery at 641 North Nechako Road.”

Following the open house is the sold-out rock concert.

“Our 60^th anniversary celebration with Trooper, April Wine and opening act Audio Union. It’s going to be an absolute blast of a day here on Saturday at the brewery.”

There has been one change to the planned event.  The fireworks display that was supposed to  wrap up the night has been cancelled.  The cancelation is due to ongoing extremely dry weather conditions and respects those affected by the wildfires throughout BC.

“Having a wonderful celebration of our 60th anniversary without fireworks is the safest and most responsible choice” comments owner Kazuko Komatsu ” We know the public shares our appreciation of the efforts of the fire fighters and our concern for our community’s wellbeing.”

Six decades in, what’s the secret to the company’s success?

“Kazuko Komatsu – she’s been the owner of the brewery now for 26 years – she’s the longest serving owner and by far the most successful,” says Sampson.

“She’s innovative, she wants to have a top quality, great product and we’re always doing something new and trying to be first at things. Whether it’s the first organic beer or we did a 100 per cent B.C. lager – there’s been lots of firsts. The last 26 years of our 60 years have come from Kazuko and her direction.”