Dad's day goes to the dogs in Cd'A

This Father’s Day, families can celebrate fathers along with their furry, four-legged family members at the seventh annual Bark N Brew festival. Previously held in Kellogg at the base of Silver Mountain, the event is moving to Coeur d’Alene this year. It will be held from noon to 5 p.m in Riverstone, at the corner of Riverstone Drive and Beebe Boulevard.

Karen Hansen, one of Help Every Little Paw’s founding members, said the organization picked Father’s Day for Bark N Brew for one sweet and simple reason.

“Beer and dogs. Man’s best friend,” Hansen said.

This event will include pet contests throughout the day — musical sit, best tail wag and best trick — as well as a bounce house and slide for kids, silent auction tables, food and brews.

Food will include burgers and hot dogs, and beer is provided by five different breweries: Trickster, Rogue, Mad Bomber, Big Sky and North Idaho Mountain Brewery. There will also be music provided by Tequila Leah.

Admission to the event is free. Money will be raised from food and beer purchases, the auction and donations.

Proceeds will go to Help Every Little Paw, which hosts Bark N Brew as an annual fundraiser to assist local animals in need. HELP is a nonprofit that provides services like medical, spay and neuter, socialization, rehabilitation and rescue.

When asked what inspired Bark N Brew, Hansen said, “One of our volunteers had volunteered at a beer festival that’s dog-friendly, and we liked the idea.”

H.E.L.P. also hosts the Bartenders Ball every year on the first Saturday of March in downtown Coeur d’Alene. To learn more about HELP, go to helpeverylittlepaw.org.

Vendor booths are still available for Bark N Brew. Contact Karen for more information at 659-6408.