Barks for Beer
WARL gears up for its first-ever dog-centric Barktoberfest at Yards Park
On Saturday, Oct. 25, Yards Park, near Nationals Stadium, goes to the dogs. Literally.
“The more the merrier,” says Matt Williams, chief communications officer for the Washington Animal Rescue League, or WARL. “And the more people come, the more money we’ll be able to pump right back in to care for the animals.”
The occasion is a new fundraising event for the D.C.-based animal rescue organization, shelter and medical center — Barktoberfest, a D.C.- and dog-centric version of a German drinking celebration.
“D.C. has become such a great place for two things,” says Williams. “One, adopting animals — there are great adopters here in the District. And two, a fantastic beer scene…What better way to celebrate than to combine the two?”
A popular concept around the country, Barktoberfest is a new way to toast the work of WARL in its centennial year. Atlas Brew Works, New Belgium Brewing, DC Brau and 3 Stars Brewing Company are among the local breweries participating in the event, which will also feature wine tastings from Total Wine, food trucks and other food vendors, and a live performance by the Morrison Brothers Band.
Naturally, furry, four-legged animals are the main attraction at Barktoberfest, both those brought by their human handlers as well as canines rescued by WARL that are ready for adoption. Various pet supply vendors will be peddling their wares, and WARL will set up an agility park with dog trainers on-site, so your dog can run “through the agility drills that we do at the shelter.”
But it’s a Doggie Halloween costume contest that should prove most enjoyable. “People get so creative with their dogs,” Williams says. “A costume can be as simple as, if you have a big ole sloppy bulldog, putting a bowtie around his neck. It’s just hilarious.” Human handlers are welcome to come in costume as well, though Williams notes, “we don’t have a contest for that.” And what does the winning pooch earn? “There will be a prize for the top costume,” he says. “A surprise prize. But mostly it’s about bragging rights for having the best costume for your dog.”
Tickets start at $10 for designated drivers and those under legal drinking age, and $35 for unlimited alcoholic drink tastings and a commemorative Barktoberfest glass. A $50 VIP Ticket offers expedited access and a free T-shirt. “The money raised from the tickets goes right back here to the shelter to help us raise more animals and save more lives,” Williams says. Widely regarded as one of the best animal rescue organizations in the country, as well as one of the leading rescue partners for the Humane Society of the United States, WARL rehouses over 2,000 animals a year. Furthermore, it also offers low-cost veterinary care and a pet food bank for those of modest means. “We do have a full-service medical center,” he says, “and we provide income-qualified residents of the area a place to come and get their pets treated at low cost.
“For us,” Williams continues, “it’s about keeping the animals in their homes. We provide these opportunities for people of lesser means [so hopefully] they can keep their animal in their home rather than have to give it up.”
Thanks to the tireless and dedicated work of WARL, and the many other related organizations, things have improved for domesticated animals in just the past decade. “The whole animal welfare movement has really done a good job with regard to educating people on adopting,” says Williams, who has been on staff with WARL for nearly three years. “I think just as a general rule, it’s become cooler to adopt an animal than it is to go buy one. …But there are always more animals that need homes, and there are always more animals that need rescuing. So we just have to keep at it.”
Barktoberfest is Saturday, Oct. 25 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Yards Park, 355 Waters St. SE. Tickets are $10 to $55. Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 26. Visit warl.org.
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