ROSELAND, Va. (AP) — More than 50 breweries from across Virginia are showcasing their beers at the 2014 Virginia Craft Brewers Fest in Nelson County.

The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild is hosting the event Saturday at Devils Backbone Brewing Company, which includes the third annual Virginia Craft Brewers Cup competition.

The event is part of the state’s third annual craft beer month.

Tourism officials say craft breweries are a growing tourism attraction opportunity statewide with an economic impact of more than $622 million.

A study by the Brewers Association found that the industry in Virginia employs more than 8,000 people with an average wage of $33,541 and total labor income of more than $273 million.

Officials say many more communities are targeting brewery businesses to compliment other tourism economic development efforts.

___

Online:

http://www.vacraftbrewersfest.com/

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.