Staff Report:

Del Norte Credit Union is proud to announce the addition of Los Alamos Beer Co-op to its roster of Los Alamos-based cooperatives in its initiative known as the Keep it Co-op! campaign.

Los Alamos Beer Co-op joins Del Norte Credit Union, Zia Credit Union, Los Alamos Schools Credit Union, Los Alamos Co-Op Market, and Little Forest Playschool to the public awareness campaign.

Keep It Co-Op! was launched in 2012 to celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives. Cooperatives are not-for-profit institutions that are owned and directed by its members. Profits return to members rather than stockholders, and co-ops are committed to the community.

“We recognize the camaraderie of spirit and the message of the Keep it Co-op! campaign,” said Micheline Devaurs, president at Los Alamos Beer Co-op. “There certainly is strength in numbers—the essential building block of a cooperative—in the telling of the cooperative story.”

The Los Alamos Beer Co-op’s goal is to establish a brewery and a taproom in Los Alamos as a place for the community to gather and enjoy stellar, locally handcrafted beer.

To celebrate the one year anniversary since inception and growth to more than 140 members, Los Alamos Beer Co-op is sponsoring “Beer Fiesta,” one of the highest-elevation microbrew events in the U.S.,  2-7 p.m. Saturday at Pajarito Ski Area.

Beer lovers can try a number of handcrafted beers from New Mexico microbreweries, while enjoying live music and the scenic high mountain terrain. Reduced lift fees will be available during the event for hiking/biking enthusiasts. Attendees are encouraged to learn more about the Los Alamos Beer Co-op and membership.

In keeping with the cooperative spirit, a “cooperative” table will feature information from Del Norte Credit Union and Zia Credit Union.