ARF fundraiser offers beer, cider and much more
The third-annual Paws for Rhythm and Brews fundraiser for Idyllwild’s Animal Rescue Friends is Saturday, June 3. The event, with more brewers than the first Paws and Rhythm, will be from noon to 4 p.m. at the Idyllwild Nature Center.
“This is the major fundraiser for ARF. This keeps the doors open,” said Janice Murasko, president.
This year, organizers have invited 16 brewers — beers and hard cider. Among the new and well-known attractions are Absolution Brewing of Torrance, Benchmark Brewery of San Diego, Burning Beard Brewing from El Cajon, Claremont Craft Ales and Golden Road from Los Angeles.
Among the new features of this year’s Brewfest will be a Kidz Zone. Murasko described three different areas to entertain kids. Parents can take turns watching kids have fun while adults can enjoy the whole festival.
The areas are named after this year’s ARF’s photo contest winners — Maximus, Wolfie and Turbo.
Max’s Masterpieces will be an art zone in cooperation with the Art Alliance of Idyllwild. Pet-themed art and face painting will be available, as well as other art activities and workshops.
Wolfie’s Water Play Zone will have a small water park and wading pool.
Turbo’s Tons-o-Fun Game Zone will offer bowling and bean bag tosses.
“I’m excited that it will be great,” Murasko said, but emphasized that each child should have one guardian remain in the zone.
Another new aspect were the VIP tickets. Past tense, because all 20 tickets, for the special price of $100 have been sold — in the first 40 minutes. VIPs will enjoy reserved and shaded seating. They will receive an event T-shirt, lunch, snacks, bottled water and a personal concierge who will get their beer.
A major success last year and returning this year is the silent auction. This year’s possible prizes include two roundtrip Southwest Air tickets to anywhere, a luxury room in a Cabo resort hotel, Disneyland passes, gift baskets from local retailers and many more opportunities.
The ever-popular home brewers contest is open for submission through Friday, May 26. The judging will be Sunday, May 28, at the Coachella Valley Brewery. The winners will be announced at 2 p.m. during the beer fest.
Music will again be provided by the Super 300 Swing Loaded Blues.
Another important returning feature is the free shuttle from the town monument and Idyllwild School to the Nature Center.
For more information, including ticket prices, currently $25, but $30 at gate, and locations, visit ARF’s Paws for Rhythm and Brews website at www.arfbeerfest.com.
