A day for dads and dogs
<p>The non-profit organization Help Every Little Paw has purchased nearly 2,000 pounds of dog food to donate to local food banks which was purchased through various fundraising activities. The group will be having its 2nd annual Beer Fest of Dads fundraiser on Father's Day to help generate funding for pet owners to afford veterinary care and supplies. Photographed from left, Karen, Leah, and Holly Hansen, Laura Quesnell and Montoya.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - It's a perfect mix for many males: Beer and dogs.
For the second year in a row, the nonprofit Help Every Little Paw is making the heavenly combination possible right on time for Father's Day.
So dads, sip a brew with your best bud this Father's Day - again.
"What better way for fathers to spend Father's Day than with beer and their friend?" said Karen Hansen, H.E.L.P. volunteer.
Trick question: There is no better way. Just make sure pop's best friend is the four-legged kind, because the largest dog-friendly beer garden is coming to the Silver Mountain Resort from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 17 - Father's Day.
Last year's inaugural event, which drew around 750 people, raised between $3,000 or $4,000. With more brews on tap this year, H.E.L.P. hopes to fetch even more.
Hosts are calling it North Idaho's largest dog-friendly festival. That's tough to argue.
But it's more than just dogs and beer. Just like last year, booths, vendors and entertainment will be on hand - not to mention giant bouncy castles for kids - making the event a family affair.
Contests, like dog/owner look-a-like and a musical chairs version of getting your dog to sit on command, will keep the focus back on the pups, while vendors will be grilling away for anyone who gets hungry.
A silent auction will give people a shot at taking home a number of packages, such as golf outings, and dinners out.
Along side the beer fest, the nonprofit has been donating dog and cat food to Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Silver Valley food banks, so bring an extra bag to drop off if you can spare it.
Tickets cost $10, and will also come with a taste of beer or two.
Info: 659-6408