For some people, a beer can is just a beer can.
For members of the Niagara Brewery Collectibles Club though, those cans - along with signs, bottles, tap handles, glassware and other memorabilia - can be pieces of history.
The club is holding its 11th annual fall trade show Saturday at Casa Dante Hall in Welland, bringing collectors and curious visitors together for a day of buying, selling and trading beer-related collectibles.
Larry Lemelin is the founder and president of the Niagara Brewery Collectibles Club. He says one of the best parts of the shows is never knowing exactly what you'll find when you walk through the door.
For Lemelin himself, he says the wide variety of items available can make it pretty difficult to resist adding something new to his collection.
The show isn't just about collecting, though. Money raised through the event helps provide scholarships to students in Niagara College's Brewmaster program.
Lemelin has been involved with the industry for years and says it's especially rewarding to see students he has taught go on to careers in the brewing industry.
The trade show is also designed to be accessible to anyone, whether you're a serious collector or simply curious about the hobby. Admission is free, and visitors can browse the tables, with food and a cash bar also available. There will also be raffles, a 50-50 draw and other prizes.
So whether you've got a collection of your own, you're looking for a piece of brewing history, or you just want to see what all the fuss is about, the Niagara Brewery Collectibles Club's fall trade show is happening Saturday, September 26 at Casa Dante Hall in Welland.
(Written by: Matt Latour)