Reid Park Zoo in Tucson is planning a unique fundraiser that will bring together two seemingly distinct groups: animal lovers and craft beer enthusiasts. The zoo is planning its spring fundraiser event around the theme of "Brew at the Zoo."
The upcoming event will take place at the zoo on Saturday, June 14, 2014, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The fundraiser will help raise funds for habitat renovation for the zoo's gibbon family, which includes Billy, Moms and Lilith. The event is being presented by Reid Park Zoo and FreedomSmokeUSA.
Attendees will be able to sample a wide variety of popular Arizona craft brews. The fundraiser will give craft beer enthusiasts the unique opportunity to meet the state's top brewers.
Tucson's Reid Park Zoo's Brew at the Zoo fundraiser will help pay for a habitat renovation for the zoo's resident gibbons — Photo courtesy of Reid Park Zoo
So far, the line-up of participants includes Borderlands Brewing Company (Tucson), Four Peaks Brewing Company (Tempe), Barrio Brewing Company (Tucson), Sonoran Brewing Company (Tucson), The Phoenix Ale Brewery (Phoenix), Thunder Canyon Brewery (Tucson), Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company (Gilbert), The Grand Canyon Brewing Company (Williams), SanTan Brewing Company (Chandler) and Oak Creek Brewing Company (Sedona).
Not only can you sample some of the finest craft brews from around the state, but attendees will also be able to keep a commemorative recycled beer bottle sampling glass from the event.
Attendees can also enjoy games and special animal encounters with zoo residents. There will be live music in two locations in the zoo. Heartbeat, a local Tucson classic rock cover band, will play rock hits from the '50s to the '80s in the event garden. Over in the Expedition Tanzania area, R&P Music Factory will play songs from the '60s to the '90s.
Of course, all that beer is likely to make you hungry. The zoo plans to sell pub-style food during the event.
Pre-sale tickets for the fundraiser are now available. Tickets are $40 per person, or $30 if you're a zoo member. Designated drivers get in for $20. If tickets are still available on the day of the event, the price will be $50 per person, $40 for zoo members and $30 for designated drivers. Keep in mind that the event is expected to sell out.
You can also purchase a "Gibbon Growler Package" for $65 a person. This special ticket package includes admission, a t-shirt and logo growler.
DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson, which is located across the street from the zoo, is offering a special room rate for the event. Contact the hotel for more details.
