With the explosion of social media tools comes a ready made opportunity to create a wealth of grass roots events, such as themed celebrations.  It’s perfect for the craft beer world.  Witness National Beer Day, created by a couple of guys on facebook who wanted to celebrate the anniversary of the end of prohibition.  Now that’s a very worthy cause to raise a glass in toast.  In short order National Beer Day had more than 6,000 members on facebook and breweries across the country got into the act with celebrations of their own.

This Thursday, August 4th, 2011 is another fun beer celebration born out of social media, billed as the largest international craft beer celebration and virtual conversation the world has ever seen.  Tall words, but why not?  International #IPADay is the creation of Ashley Routson, The Beer Wench, and Ryan Ross, marketing and community manager at San Diego’s Karl Strauss Brewing Co.  According to their official event information, it’s a “grassroots movement to unite the voices of craft beer enthusiasts, bloggers, and brewers worldwide through social medial” in a collective toast celebrating the India Pale Ale style of beer. The IPA style “represents the pinnacle of brewing innovation with its broad spectrum of diverse brands, subcategories, and regional flavor variations – making it the perfect style to galvanize craft beer’s social voice.”

It’s easy to take part.  On August 4, 2011 (that’s tomorrow) grab your favorite IPA, or pick a new one to try, and celebrate in a collective toast.  “Anyone can participate by enjoying IPA with friends, making some noise online with the #IPADay hashtag, and showing the world that craft beer is more than a trend!”  True words, indeed.