By Beth Alston

AMERICUS — It’s time again for the relatively new and exciting event that brings thousands of visitors to Americus — the annual Americus Hot Glass Craft Beer Festival.
The third annual event, hosted by Americus Main Street, will be from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, April 6 in downtown Americus.
General admission tickets are $30/in advance and $40/at gate, if available. Non-drinking tickets are $10 each. Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite, and also at Center Stage Market, The Huss Foundation, and the Americus Main Street office inside City Hall on the 1st floor, all in downtown Americus.
Organizers have said that premium tickets sold out in “seconds.”
The popular event celebrates two arts — glassblowing and craft brewing. Americus has become a glassblowing mecca and the event attracts glassblowers from across the state and Southeast. There will glassblowing demonstrations throughout the afternoon as well as vendors selling their handcrafted wares.
Several craft beer breweries from around the state have already confirmed that they will be represented at the event, and more are expected to sign up in the next two weeks. At least 18 breweries are expected for the event. Food vendors will also be on site. There will be live musical entertainment as well.
Presenting sponsor this year is The Huss Foundation. Other sponsors include Arnold & Hooks LLC, Georgia Southwestern State University, ChandlerMorgan Eyeworks, Café Campesino, Zeeland Farm Services Inc., Quick Fix Family Convenient Care, Electric-Tek, The Kinnebrew Company, Faaborg Law Office, and Mobile Glassblowing Studios. There are still some sponsorship levels available.
Volunteers, who must be at least 18 years ago, are needed to pour beer for the event, and for other responsibilities. Volunteers that are age 21 or older will receive the equivalent to a general admission ticket, a t-shirt to wear at the event, and non-drinking admission to the event. Buzzed or intoxicated volunteers will be removed from the venue. There will be an after party for all the volunteers at the end of the event.
For information on parking, visit www.hotglasscraftbeer.com