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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Hundreds of people in the Capital City raised their glasses Saturday.

The World Beer Festival was held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Organizers held the event, sponsored by All About Beer Magazine, to educate the public about the diversity in beer varieties.

More than 100 breweries, styles, and samples around the world were at the event. Vendors handed out 2 oz. samples; including pales ales, pilsners, ciders, and stouts.

Event Producer Daniel Bradford said the event has been held in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina.

"We have been doing this for almost 20 years with this model," Bradford said. "The purpose of this festival is to educate the public about the appreciation; and foster the development of local, positive, beer communities."

Famous restaurants like Blue Marlin and Wet Willie's were also on hand to give out some food as well. The World Beer Festival will continue until 10 p.m. Saturday.