Vancouver Craft Beer Week shows local suds' mass appeal

Vancouver's annual celebration of craft beer is underway, attracting local drinkersand beer tourists from around the province and beyond.

The event has grown in size to almost double since last year, with 10,000 tickets for more than 20 events involving more than 60 breweriesovernine days.

ChrisBjerrisgaard, the festival's spokesman, says theface of craft beer is changing and expanding beyond the smaller communities that supportedthe industry in previous years.

"It's just not the small niche of people anymore who care about local and a few British expats," he told CBC News. "It's getting to the masses. It's not just the hipsters anymore. Literally, everyone is getting into craft beer."

The celebration finishes next weekend with more than 70 breweries showcasing their small batch and locally-brewed suds near the Athlete's Village at False Creek.