Breweries represented at the seventh annual East Kootenay Beer Festival will serve up a liquid buffet at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort on Saturday, June 16th.

Ainslie Machan, special events coordinator for the resort, said via email that last year’s hoppy event featured 16 vendors and more than 60 varieties of beer and cider to sample.

“This event is a great opportunity for guests to come and try a wide range of craft beers and ciders from across British Columbia and Alberta with live music and beautiful mountain views,” she said.

The outdoor festival takes place at Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Resort, where Ms. Machan expects to see 500 hundred guests enjoying themselves and discovering new favourite beverages.

The event sells out every year, she said, adding that the majority of the festival guests return from one year to the next and bring their friends.

Guests can look forward to sampling offerings from Arrowhead Brewing Company, Over Time Beer Works, Big Rock Brewery, Fernie Brewing Company and more.

While the tasting event will run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Ms. Machan said the festivities will continue into the evening with an after-party.

The East Kootenay Beer Festival takes place the day before Father’s Day, making it “the ideal Father’s Day gift for the beer-drinking dad in your family,” she said.

Tickets for the festival are $59. They include a punch card for 25 sample-sized portions to satisfy any and all beer connoisseurs. Guests will be able to purchase additional punch cards if they’d like.

Tickets and shuttle bookings are available by calling Fairmont Hot Springs Resort at 1-800-663-4979 and selecting option number one.

While the event draws both locals and visitors, Ms. Machan said most guests book weekend packages and plan to spend the night. That way they can enjoy themselves, the festival and the resort amenities while taking care to drink responsibly.

“If you are looking for a good time with great tasting cold beer, delicious food and live music, this memorable festival is the event for you,” she said.