Brewery to give free beer for 'Statewide Cheers'

Celebrate Wisconsin Craft Brewery Day at East Troy Brewery, 2905 Main St., today, Thursday, Sept. 26 from 3 to 5 p.m. The brewery will be offering a free beer to everyone who comes through the door.

Gov. Tony Evers and Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, along with state, county, city and community officials, will visit East Troy Brewery, which was one of eight selected out of the state's nearly 200 craft breweries.

Craft beer fans are encouraged to participate in a “Statewide Cheers” at 4:30 p.m. on social media using the hashtag #WICraftBeer.

The lowdown

“Brewing is a defining industry for Wisconsin, with a long and rich history,” said Governor Evers in an announcement. “I’m thrilled to see the progress craft brewers have made throughout the state, embracing craft beer trends, providing an alternative gathering space for the public and allowing Wisconsin to maintain its reputation of creating quality beer for all.”

Governor Evers and other officials will be highlighting the economic contributions craft breweries provide to Wisconsin’s local communities, especially in rural areas, as well as the important role clean water plays in making craft beer.

Additional stops along the craft brewery tour include Octopi Brewing in Waunakee, The Brewing Projekt in Eau Claire, Mosinee Brewing Company in Mosinee, Potosi Brewing Company’s Breweriana Museum in Potosi, Titletown Brewing Co. in Green Bay, Thirsty Pagan Brewing in Superior and a final stop at the Oktoberfest celebration in La Crosse.

Brewing is a staple industry in Wisconsin with a long and rich history, creating increased economic activity across the state. While the state is home to a number of large-scale breweries, in recent years, it has become a leader in craft beer production and consumption.

Independent craft brewers across the state continue to spring up and meet the growing demand for unique and innovative craft beer. According to the Brewers Association, a national trade association for craft beer-related businesses, Wisconsin had 160 craft breweries in 2017, and these businesses generated more than $2.25 billion in total economic impact.