Why not us? These are the three words Russell Wilson used to motivate his team at the beginning of the 2014 NFL season. For those of you that follow the Seahawks, you know that was the year that Seattle won their first Super Bowl. For those of us that were at the parade where the Lombardi Trophy made its way to CenturyLink Field, you know that day as the greatest party Seattle ever threw for Seahawks fans. Seattle also knows how to put together a killer beer week. Over 50 locations, and a packed event calendar daily, it's hard not to take notice. The Tacoma beer community therefore asked the same question. Why not us?

Beer weeks have been a nationwide phenomenon for decades with the soul purpose of celebrating the beer industry and giving back to the drinking community. The week usually has events that are hosted by pubs and breweries around town. Tacoma is no exception. This is year four for Tacoma Beer Week and every year manages to one up itself. Starting with just a handful of brewers participating four years ago, TBW is now not only a community-wide event, but a South Sound celebration. The events range from the South Sound Brewers Dinner, featuring 10 delicious courses paired with 10 different Tacoma craft beers at Bar Bistro; to Peaks and Pints, hosting National S'mores Day with Firestone Walker. This week is made possible by the continued collaboration and talent of the masterminds in the beer community. "Tacoma Beer Week is a very organic process, and it just kind of organizes itself," said Andy, manager at Pacific Brewing and Malting Company, and plays a large part in the functionality of Tacoma Beer Week.

Tacoma Beer Week isn't necessarily about drinking beer, although it plays a huge part. Tacoma Beer Week is about celebrating beer in Tacoma. The beautiful thing about that is you don't have to be a brewer to join the celebration. You just have to love beer, and love what you do. TBW runs Aug. 6-12. If you are interested in having an event for this week, you can still post them up till Sunday. Go online at tacomabeerweek.com, and submit who you are and what you are doing for TBW. This week is a great opportunity for you to see the talent that is the craft beer industry and meet the masterminds behind it all. Whatever barstool you choose to hold down this week, let's use this time to raise a glass to beer and to Tacoma. CHEERS!    

Tacoma Beer Week, Sunday-Saturday, Aug. 6-12, various locations, Tacoma, tacomabeerweek.com