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St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) proclaims Thursday, September 28th as Craft Brewing Day in St. Croix County. This is an annual celebration in recognition of a small but growing business sector in the county. The first craft brewing day was held in September 2019 and survived the global pandemic of COVID in 2020-2021.

“Craft breweries are important community anchors,” said Bill Rubin, St. Croix EDC’s executive director. “Many times they are the focal points for area residents and tourists alike. They enjoy a loyal following. Small breweries bring people together to socialize, dine, and even listen to live music,” he added.

St. Croix County boasts six craft breweries, including Rush River Brewing (River Falls), Pitchfork Brewing (Town of Hudson), Oliphant Brewing (Somerset), Botany BrewFarm (Wilson), Hop and Barrel (Hudson), and Lift Bridge Brewing (New Richmond). Swinging Bridge Brewing and The Garage Bikes + Brews in River Falls are located just across the St. Croix-Pierce County line.

Each brewery will receive a framed proclamation from the EDC as part of the celebration. An in-person event at Rush River Brewing runs from 4:30-6:00 p.m. and co-founder Nick Anderson will be honored with Rush River’s proclamation at 5:15.

The Brewers Association (www.brewersassociation.org) is a national trade group for craft brewers. Overall beer production in 2022 was down -3.1 percent, however, craft brewing production was up +0.1 percent. The total number of U.S. breweries in 2022 was around 9,710 and included around 2,035 microbreweries, 3,838 taprooms, and 3,418 brewpubs. The overall beer market was estimated at $115.4 billion last year and the craft beer market was $28.4 billion.

In 2022, Wisconsin ranked 14th in the U.S. with an estimated 249 craft breweries. Those breweries contributed an economic impact of $2.53 billion, ranking the state 8th. Wisconsin craft brewers produced almost 1,078,665 barrels last year to rank 7th.

The EDC asks residents and beer enthusiasts to consider stopping at taprooms on September 28th or ordering a local product at a bar or tavern. Whether enjoying a lager, pilsner, pale ale, IPA or stout, please do so responsibly.

For questions or comments, please call St. Croix EDC at 715.690.2110.