On Saturday afternoon, as vendors scoured Calgary trying to collect enough products to keep coolers full, doors opened half an hour late. Regardless of the scurrying, the demand hugely exceeded expectations, forcing vendors to turn away thirsty revelers toward the end of the event.

To great success -as evidenced by an apropos mountain of empties- Mountain Crest Brewing Company president, Ravinder Minhas, dished out his gold lager to a steady line of thirsty boozers. Unibroue, a Noel Gallagher (not really) brewing company out of Chambley Quebec, drew a long, steady line with its fabulously named, award winning ales, including La Fin Du Monde (The End of the World), Maubite (The Dammed One), and Trois Pistoles (Three Coins). The label art on the 1-litre, cork-topped bottles, with its dark imagery (demos, gothic castles) lured imbibers (though, the probably didn't need impetus, ghostly or not).

Though ample beers from around the world were greatly appreciated, local brewers and their wares elated Calgarians with a familiarity and hometown, sud-pride. Brewsters Brewhouse came alliteratively prepared, with six kegs of well-received beer and plenty of treats to help soak it up. A big seller for the evening, the Bison Burger, a house signature, accompanied with a glass of Cherry Ale, sold out by 9:00pm Saturday night.