Enjoy craft beer at first-ever Growl-er Brewfest, and bring your dog, too

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Who wouldn’t want to share the day with a bunch of fun dogs, great beer, tasty food, and live music?

If that sounds like a solid afternoon, then Brighton is where you’ll want to be on Sunday, Oct. 17, for Growl-er Brewfest – Livingston County’s first-ever dog-friendly craft beer tasting with food trucks – at the SELCRA Meijer Park (333 Orndorf Drive, across from the Brighton Post Office). Free parking is available at the adjacent St. Patrick School.

The event is a partnership between the husband-and-wife team of Whitney and Cal Stone (aka live music promoters 2 Stones Events), and SELCRA (South Eastern Livingston County Recreation Authority) with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the latter.

“We’ve been playing with this idea for several years,” said Whitney Stone, “and we finally found the perfect partner with an awesome location.”

The former skateboard park behind the Brighton Meijer store on Grand River Ave. has plenty of land for the brewers (offering four different tasting each) and one cidery to set up: Aberrant AlesBrewery BeckerBlock Brewing CompanyEternity Brewing CompanyNorth Center Brewing CompanyFarmington Brewing CompanyReed City Brewing Co.River’s Edge Brewing Co.Third Monk Brewing Company, and Ore Creek Craft Cider.

Tickets (available HERE) include a branded Growl-er Brewfest pint glass and 12 drink tickets, each for a 3-ounce pour. Purchase Early Bird tickets for $30 through Oct. 8, then tickets go up to $40. Designated Driver tickets are $10 and includes entry only. Between 250 and 300 attendees are anticipated; must be at least 21 years of age.

“If you really want a cool spot to entertain friends or clients, opt for one of the limited Big Dog VIP tickets,” said Stone. “For $600, you get premium parking; a high-peak 10′ x 10′ tent; six Adirondack chairs; three side tables; six entry tickets; six branded Growl-er Brewfest pint glasses; and 15 drink tickets (per person), each worth a 3-ounce pour.”

Whether you imbibe or not, several food trucks will be serving a variety of food that should satisfy everybody’s tastes. Another husband-and-wife team – Jennifer Westwood & Dylan Dunbar – will be in the middle of a home-stand of concerts before heading out on another tour, performing original Americana songs and their unique takes on classics.

Last but not least, this is a dog-friendly event with plans for on-site adoption and a donation drop-off area for dog beds, crates, food, treats, etc. (donations are for The Humane Society). Also featured: a dog-gone fun obstacle course, puppy pools, and photo ops for pups and their humans. All dogs attending the event must be kept on leash at all times and be human- and dog-friendly.

“We’re elated that a number of businesses see the value in having a local event like this,” said Stone. “Sponsors are vital to making it succeed.”

Supporting Partners include Buff City Soap, T-Mobile, and Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions; Friend Partners include Einstein Dog Training, Good Dog Treats, Mr. Brettz Gourmet Snacks.

The event runs from 2-6 p.m., rain or shine. No outside food or beverages allowed, please. All dogs, of course, are welcome — no charge.

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The Livingston Post is the only locally owned, all-digital information and opinion site in Livingston County, Mich. It was launched by award-winning journalists who were laid off from the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus by Gannett Co. Inc. in 2009.