You must love this country more than I love a cold beer on a hot Christmas morning. – The Simpsons

I once had a dream in which I had all the beer I could drink, the best Maryland crab cakes I’ve ever tasted, and an eyeful of some extremely attractive (and scantily-clad) women.

Oh, wait. That wasn’t a dream. That was the Atlantic City Beer Festival.

It’s that time of year again, folks!

For the sixth year in a row, Atlantic City will be hosting an event that welcomes over 75 brewers and breweries, a seemingly unlimited supply of unbelievable food vendors, live music, and promotions galore.

When I attended the event in 2009, the ticket price bought me a goody bag that included a four-inch plastic cup with which I could partake in any of the beers I fancied … and as many as I fancied. A small cup like that doesn’t seem like it could do any damage, but let me assure you: you will not be left wanting at the end of your four-hour session. I practically had to roll myself out the door by the end of it.

The festival sold out last year, so be sure to get your tickets soon. You can order them via Ticketmaster. Or, if you’re a risk-taker, you can also buy tickets at the door. (By the way, for the designated drivers among you, tickets are only $10! That should be incentive for some of you beer-guzzlers to bring some more, eh, responsible types along with you.)

Details for the event are as follows:

Where is it?

The Atlantic City Convention Center
1 Miss America Way
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

When is it?

Session 1
Friday, April 1, 2011
7PM until 11PM

Session 2
Saturday, April 2, 2011
12PM until 4PM

Session 3
Saturday, April 2, 2011
6PM until 10PM

How much is it?

$50 at the door, $45 via Ticketmaster
DD tickets are only $10 (at the door only)

Group tickets are available on Ticketmaster.
10 to 19 tickets: $42 per person
20 to 30 tickets: $38 per person

If you haven’t yet experienced the wonder that is the Atlantic City Beer Festival, I suggest you make it a priority this year! Visit the Celebration of the Suds website for more details.

(And, PS, thanks to our founding father Benjamin Franklin for the post’s title!)