The Dakin Humane Society has officially opened ticket sales for its 11th annual Barks & Brews fundraiser, scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 11, at Fort Hill Brewery in Easthampton.
The event structure is divided into two segments to accommodate attendees and their canine companions. A VIP exclusive preview hour runs from noon to 1 p.m., followed by general admission from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. All participants must be at least 21 years of age, and organizers request that guests leave strollers at home to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals present.
Ticketing Tiers and Event Logistics
Prospective attendees can secure entry through the official Dakin Humane Society website. Pricing is tiered based on the date of purchase, incentivizing early registration. VIP admission is currently priced at $65, but will increase to $75 beginning September 1. This premium tier includes on-site parking, hors d’oeuvres during the preview hour, a complimentary beer, and a commemorative event T-shirt.
General admission tickets are available for $25, with the price set to rise to $35 on September 1. This ticket level includes one complimentary beer. Because on-site parking is reserved for VIP ticket holders, general attendees are directed to park on-street or at the designated local school lot, which is a five-minute walk from the brewery grounds.
Activities for Dogs and Owners
Guests are welcome to bring crowd-friendly dogs, provided the animals are kept on non-retractable leashes at all times. Retractable leashes are explicitly prohibited for safety reasons.
Featured activities include:
- A Halloween-themed costume contest for dogs.
- A hot dog eating competition tailored for canine participants.
- Musical sit, a canine-centric variation of musical chairs.
- A designated dog splash zone and a photo booth.
- Creative activities, including dog-friendly canvas painting.
- On-site grooming services, including nail trims provided by Fur’s-a-Flyin’ and dog baths by HydroDog.
In addition to these activities, the event will feature a 50/50 raffle, with winners not required to be present to claim their prize. Local vendors will also be on-site, offering craft-made goods and pet-specific gifts, complemented by a variety of food trucks available for human attendees.
Impact on Regional Animal Welfare
Dakin Humane Society operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The funds generated through Barks & Brews are critical to sustaining the society’s ongoing programs.