Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival Moves to Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater

Scottsdale location to attract more craft beer enthusiasts on Saturday, May 19, 2012.

The Second Annual Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 19, at a new venue–the Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater. Presented by Whole Foods, the Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival concludes with American Craft Beer Week, a nationwide homage to craft beer.

Ameri-CAN is the brainchild of Anthony Canecchia and SanTan Brewing Company, the leader in Arizona’s canned craft beer revolution. More than 60 local and national breweries will crack the tabs on their finest brews and thousands of craft beer fans will relish the frosty cold suds. The event runs from 1-6 p.m. Doors open at noon for VIP ticket holders. The Scottsdale Civic Center is located at 3939 North Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

The Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival will celebrate the craft beer movement with an awards ceremony, live music, food, a VIP tent, Beer Science Garden and Beer Olympics activities.

“Last year, we celebrated the canned craft beer revolution and we were impressed at the resoundingly positive feedback from festival goers,” said Anthony Canecchia, owner and head brewer of SanTan Brewing Company. “Beer fans are beginning to appreciate that the can is the superior package for craft beer, and it is our intention to continue educating the world of this fact.”

The championship portion of the festival will include Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded in nine categories including IPA, American Pale Ale, English Pale Ale, Wheat Beers, Stouts and Porters, Ambers and Browns, Golds, Blondes, Pilsners and Light Lagers, Fruit, and Specialty Beer. Last year, more than 76 beers were submitted in the competition and participants included an impressive lineup from 31 national and local breweries. A total of 19 gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the following breweries. Gold medal winners included Grand Canyon Brewing, Leinenkugel Brewing and Lumberyard Brewing. Oskar Blues Brewing took home medals in all three categories: gold, silver and bronze. HDE expects most of the 31 breweries that participated last year to return this year as well as new contenders from local and national breweries.

Presale general admission tickets for the Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival are available for $25. General admission on the day of is $35. General admission includes entry into the festival with collectible 4 oz. sample can, which can be used to sample up to 20 beers from participating breweries. This is a 21 and over event, no exceptions. Ticket purchasers and all guests must be 21 or over and must present a valid picture ID upon admission.

VIP tickets are $100 (presale only, while supplies last), and include general entry with a 4 oz. souvenir can, VIP lanyard for all access and exclusive entry into VIP Beer Garden, unlimited catered food and treats, Richard Susa book signing with free copy of The Beer Can, private restrooms, meet and greet with brewers, and a seat at the Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Championship Awards Ceremony.

Designated driver tickets are also available for $10 and include non-alcoholic beverages. A portion of event proceeds will benefit Ear Candy, a 501c3 Phoenix charity that provides youth access to music education.

For more information, visit www.cannedcraftbeerfest.com.