The Michigan Senate has once again named July as Michigan Beer Month this week with the adoption of Senate Resolution 66, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, Senator Stephanie Chang, Senator Jeremy Moss, Senator Sylvia A. Santana and Senator Michael Webber. This is the 16th year for this month-long celebration designation.
As part of this year’s Michigan Beer Month, the Michigan Brewers Guild has announced the return of its limited-edition commemorative pint glass available at two dozen locations around the state throughout the summer (while supplies last).
Michigan Beer Month is also a time to recognize the passion, diversity and dedication that brewers around the state bring to the industry. The highlight of Michigan Beer Month is the 24th Annual Michigan Summer Beer Festival (Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22) at Riverside Park in downtown Ypsilanti’s Depot Town. During this 2-day event, visitors can sample hundreds of beers from many of Michigan’s finest breweries.
Formed in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild held its first festival in July 1998. Today, it hosts five festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan beer produced by its nearly 300 member breweries (a number that increases on a monthly basis). Within the state, and beyond, Michigan is referred to as “The Great Beer State” ranking #6 nationally for the number of breweries.
The Michigan Brewers Guild is a network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan craft beer industry. The mission of the Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan craft beer industry with an overarching goal to help craft beer acquire 20% of the market by 2025.
Michigan’s thriving brewing industry conservatively contributes more than $144 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $600 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”