Photo by Robert S. Donovan

The Grand Strand is not immune to the craft beer craze that has heated up over the past few years. Beer Fest is a perfect example of that.

So roll out the barrels for Beer Fest III, which will feature more brands (about 120), more breweries (40 to 50) and hopefully more attendees (4,000) than last year.

The 2011 event also will offer more hard-to-find beers and more brewery representatives on site, including Samuel Adams, Allagash, Thomas Creek and Highland.

Plus Gordon Biersch, a national brewery with an outlet at Market Common, and Myrtle Beach-based New South Brewing, which will add a local flavor to the festival.

The Weekly Surge has a great write up on how the Beer Fest almost didn't happen this year and what to expect at this year's event. Check it out.