Who wouldn’t enjoy an afternoon of sampling a large selection of Michigan craft beers, ciders and wines while mingling with like-minded enthusiasts and their pet canines sound? So you won’t want to miss the fourth annual Growl-er Brewfest – Livingston County’s only dog-centric tasting of beer, wine and cider with food trucks, vendors and live music – at Brighton’s SELCRA Meijer Park from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13.
And to make it even more enticing, a portion of the proceeds will go towards Fund a Life, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Mark Howell in Brighton in 2017 with a simple mission: to ignite hope by funding lives, the way Mark’s own life was funded after his devasting cancer diagnosis in 2012.
“To put it simply,” said Howell, “we issue financial grants to individuals and families when they need it most… We know that although money can’t buy miracles, it can ignite hope in the most desperate and difficult of circumstances.”
The grants vary in size, with the average grant amount around $5,000. To date, Fund a Life has awarded more than 160 grants, totaling over $1,000,000.
“This one is a special partnership for us,” said Growl-er organizer and president of 2 Stones Events, Whitney McClellan-Stone, whose husband, Cal Stone, fought cancer in 2004. The Brighton couple were drawn to Fund a Life’s grants which, according to its website, “shine light in the darkest moments, offering a sense of relief, support, and community during someone’s most challenging and vulnerable times.”
THE PAW-TICULARS
2 Stones launched Growl-er Brewfest in 2021 as a way to get folks outside to enjoy an event after being cooped up by the Covid pandemic. It has grown steadily every year since, with 2024’s attendance anticipated at around 400 people – and lots of dogs.
Once again, there will be a donation drop-off area for dog beds, crates, food, treats, etc., and the Livingston Hunger Council will distribute goods and funds to partner agencies.
Growl-er features a dog-gone fun obstacle course; puppy pool; 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.
Of course, there will be a wide variety of craft brewers, a cidery and a winery on hand offering samples of their tasty creations. Ticket-holders will get a branded Growl-er Brewfest pint glass and 12 drink tickets, each good for a 3-ounce beer/cider pour or a 2-ounce wine pour.
Early Bird tickets are $35 online now, but those will go up to $50 after Oct. 6.
“We only do this – increase prices at the door – because a week or so prior to the event we have to determine how much beverage and food the vendors need to bring,” said McClellan-Stone, adding that a limited number of tickets will be sold day-of at the gate.
Designated Driver tickets include entry to the event for $15. Of course, all dogs are welcome!
A pair of food trucks – LaRotisserie and Impasto — will be serving up “flavorful rotisserie chicken sandwiches and yummy fries” and “Italian inspired street food”, respectively. Live music will be provided by keyboardist/vocalist Jarrod Champion, who has performed at Brighton’s Smokin’ Jazz & BBQ Blues Festival and Taste of Brighton, and he can be heard weekly at Sid Gold’s Request Room in Detroit.
Rain or shine, Growl-er Brewfest will run from 2-6 p.m. Attendees must be 21 or older. Free parking will be available at St. Patrick School, next to SELCRA Meijer Park (across from the Brighton Post Office on Charles H. Orndorf Drive).
Can’t make it to the event? Show your support with a Growl-er Brewfest 2024 T-shirt or sweatshirt, available at https://www.bonfire.com/growl-er-brewfest-swag/.
AT A GLANCE: GROWL-ER BREWFEST 2024
• SELCRA Meijer Park, 333 Charles F. Orndorf Drive, Brighton
• 2-5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13,2024
• Free parking at St. Patrick School
• 21+ only
• No outside food or beverage allowed
• Early Bird tickets ($35 through Oct. 6; $50 after) include a branded Growl-er Brewfest pint glass and 12 drink tickets, each good for a 3-ounce pour of beer or a 2-ounce wine pour
• Designated Driver tickets ($15) include entry only.
• Online tickets: https://tinyurl.com/42m9at9f
BREWERS: Block Brewing Company, Brewery Becker, Drafting Table, Draught Horse Brewery, Eternity Brewing Company, Grand River Brewery, Reed City Brewing Co., Rivers Edge Brewery Co.
CIDERY: Ore Creek Craft Cider
WINERY: Whole Hearted Winery
FOOD TRUCKS: LaRotisserie; Impasto
PARTNERS: Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions; Cooper and Binkley Jewelers; DogWatch of Southeastern MI; Explore Brighton Howell Area; Planted Provisioning; Renewal by Anderson; Livingston Hunger Council
VENDORS: Rocky Tops Wood Works; The Doggie Social Café; Bacon and Toast Leash Company; Paw Tree Pet Pro; Sam’s Doggie Bakery; Michigan Beer Drinker
To volunteer, sponsor or be a vendor at Growl-er Brewfest, email info@2stonesevents.com.
