HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The first ever Harrisburg Beer Week has begun.
For people like Bill Olsen, it's the recipe for a good experience during the week-long event.
Have a good time and get to meet people, Olsen said. I just want to try some different beers that are out there and see what this is all about and hope we have a good time.
Harrisburg Beer Week was created to introduce people to the area's growing beer industry,
Right now the trend seems to be towards eating and drinking locally, event co-organizer, Sara Bozich, said.
Bozich is one of four women behind the event. She says after hearing of other cities holding their own beer week celebrations, it was Harrisburg's turn.
We have a really solid craft beer community. We have a lot of breweries for the area. Really within a 20 to 30 mile radius. There are so many breweries you can drive to and check out, Bozich said.
One of the businesses participating in the event is Zero Day Brewing in Midtown. It's been open since April 8 and the event is certainly helping business.
I have a castle of kegs we have kicked. Totally blew our budgeted planned beer sales out of the water, co-owner Brandalynn Armstrong said.
Armstrong says she hopes the week-long event helps people appreciate the local beer scene.
Events like beer week really raise awareness that there is this culture going on and it's not just the people who go to one bar, it raises awareness for all of the small businesses, the restaurants and it's not just beer, Armstrong said.
The event is also a charity for the Harrisburg River Rescue. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the volunteer organization.
For more on the event schedule, head to the organization's website at harrisburgbeerweek.com.
3rd in the Burg at the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg
The Broad Street Market in Harrisburg is open during 3rd in the Burg with live music and food as well as beer from ZeroDay Brewing Company. The event is held the third Friday of every month.