Collegiate Times

Image: 2012-10-03 22:22:45

A local event aims to defy odds by drawing a crowd to enjoy two contrasting items: craft beer and luxury pet homes.

The Fourth Annual Blacksburg Brew Do Festival will be held at the First & Main Shopping District this Saturday from noon until 6 p.m.

Brew Do will feature craft beer not only from local breweries, but also from Mid-Atlantic and national craft breweries and microbreweries.

“Last year, over 80 different beers were poured and we don’t expect a drop less this fall,” said Diane Akers, Blacksburg Partnership president.

This year’s event features even more breweries than the last, and event sponsors hope to grow the number of participants each year.

Howls and Meows

In addition to the day’s events, Howls and Meows — a local company that builds luxury pet homes — plans to hold its second annual fundraising competition with SAS Builders and various other organizations.

Howls and Meows will raffle off the pet homes and donate all proceeds to the Animal Welfare Foster Program.

“The money goes directly towards our animals through medical bills, food and other supplies,” said Faye Oberg, the AWFP's president. “The more money we raise, the more animals we are able to rescue from local shelters.”

Currently, the AWFP is a beneficiary organization of Howls and Meows. Oberg hopes the event will promote the AWFP in the New River Valley so that animals in need will receive homes they deserve.

Partnership grows

Like many other participating organizations, Howls and Meows and the AWFP look forward to spreading the word about their organizations to locals.

“(The AWFP) would love to be a part of the Howls and Meows fundraiser in the future,” Oberg said. “We have already had a lot of fun gearing up for the Blacksburg Brew Do festival and are very excited for Saturday's events.”

The raffle will include 11 luxury pet homes made by members of the community and an assortment of gift baskets. The raffle is unique because it is the only time these pet homes will be available for customers, as they are not sold during the year.

“In the inaugural event in 2011, over $1,700 was raised for furry friends in need,” Akers said. “Help us grow that number this year!”

Houses are on display at the National Bank on Hubbard Street; raffle tickets are available for purchase at the National Bank, both Blacksburg Kroger stores and online at www.blacksburgbrewdo.com.

Food and Festivities

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to sample food from local restaurants like Bull & Bones, The Cellar, The Chocolate Spike, Hethwood Market, Preston’s Restaurant and Sal’s Italian Restaurant.

This year, Kroger will also bring back its “Cooking with Beer” demonstration tent. The demonstration will feature local chefs showcasing their favorite recipes using beer.

Attendees will also be able to listen to live music from Gov’t Plant and 3 Minute Lovin’. Gov’t Plant is a band based out of Southwestern Virginia and is currently promoting its self-titled album. 3 Minute Lovin’, however, looks to bring back classic hits from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, creating a different environment that appeals to an older crowd.

To culminate the event, the winner of the Fourth Annual Homebrew Competition will also be announced. This year, the winner will be chosen from 60 entries.

WSLS 10 is serving as this year’s Platinum Sponsor, and 105.3 The Bear, 101.7 Super Sports, Mix 100.7, and 107.1 WPSK serve as Presenting Sponsors. For more information about the event, visit the website: www.blacksburgbrewdo.com.

“We love bringing back this festival each year,” Akers said. “It’s our opportunity to showcase our community and to also share information about craft beer.”

A version of this article appeared in the Oct 4 issue of the Collegiate Times.