By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Sep 18, 2019 at 2:56 PM

Thursday, Sept. 26 is Wisconsin Craft Brewery Day and to celebrate, Gov. Tony Evers announced today that he, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Deputy Secretary Tricia Braun and other officials from around the state plan to visit seven craft breweries.

Pity they did not choose to do the celebration and tour on #WIbeerWednesday.

According to the national Brewers Association, there were 160 craft breweries in the state in 2017, generating more than $2.25 billion in total economic impact.

The Wisconsin brewery tour is expected to include stops at Octopi Brewing in Waunakee, The Brewing Projekt in Eau Claire, Mosinee Brewing Company, Potosi Brewing Company’s Breweriana Museum, Titletown Brewing Co. in Green Bay, East Troy Brewing Co., Thirsty Pagan Brewing in Superior and the La Crosse Oktoberfest celebration.

"Brewing is a defining industry for Wisconsin, with a long and rich history," said Evers in a news release. "I’m thrilled to see the progress craft brewers have made throughout the state, embracing craft beer trends, providing an alternative gathering space for the public and allowing Wisconsin to maintain its reputation of creating quality beer for all."

WEDC is encouraging all of Wisconsin to take part in a "Statewide Cheers" by lifting a frosty mug at 4:30 p.m. on social media, using the hashtag #WICraftBeer.

"I’m excited to be recognizing these business owners who not only create quality craft beer, but also grow our Wisconsin communities," said WEDC’s Braun in the release.

"WEDC is proud to have supported several of these locations in starting and expanding their businesses while simultaneously making their communities better places to live, work and play."