Greensburg Craft Beer Week planning digital, takeout events

Organizers of Greensburg Craft Beer Week are following the coronavirus-driven trend of planning a series of digital and takeout events.

Dates for the fourth annual celebration of local beers are Sept. 18-26.

“We are encouraging takeout events where people can register and receive maybe a beer tasting or pairing of some sort,” said Jessica Hickey, event founder and director. “They can take that home and share their experience digitally through social media and tagging GBGCBW to be shared through our outlets. We’re really looking to have interactive experiences, not only when there’s a digital event but also when it’s a hands-on event that someone may be enjoying from home.”

Home Brew and Chill, a competition for home brewers that has become craft beer week’s signature event, is on hiatus this year and other events are in the planning stage, she added.

“This year may be different, but we’re still dedicated to promoting and supporting craft beer in our area,” Hickey said. “We will be focusing on hosting digital and takeout events, but if we are able to, come September, have events in locations, we will be doing that in some capacity as well while following all CDC and social distancing guidelines.”

Many past participants will be back this year, along with new breweries including Unity Brewing in Unity and Invisible Man Brewing in downtown Greensburg.

“We had our beer at a couple of events last year, but this is the first year we’re fully open and able to participate with a taproom,” said Sean McLaughlin, owner of Invisible Man Brewing.

Planning updates will be posted to the Greensburg Craft Beer Week Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages and at downtowngreensburgpa.us.