NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Dat Dog, a popular local chain specializing in gourmet hot dogs and sausages, is hosting Barktoberfest to raise funds for Zeus’ Rescues. The event will take place in the courtyard of their 3336 Magazine Street location on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Now in its fourth year, the purpose of Barktoberfest has always been to provide support for Zeus’ Rescues’ mission, which is to eliminate New Orleans-area pet homelessness and the practice of euthanasia, as well as to emphasize community-building, pet education, and finding forever homes for animals. Zeus’s Rescues is an all-volunteer group that relies on grants and private donations, as they do not receive local or state public funding.
Volunteers from Zeus’ Rescues will present during Barktoberfest with lots of adoptable dogs in need of forever homes. Proceeds from kisses sold at the Doggie Kissing Booth will benefit Zeus’.
“The fundamental mission of Dat Dog as a company is to embrace and serve our communities, fostering the same type of environment as we do in our workplace – an environment of diversity, authenticity, respect, and happiness. By supporting our local communities, be it through partnerships with schools, or through our volunteer and fundraising efforts in support of local no-kill shelters, organizations representing the arts, or those providing essential services to at-risk youth, we not only spread the values of Dat Dog culture, we also inspire our communities to give back in turn. This is what Barktoberfest is all about,” said CEO Paul Tuennerman.
Rob Krieger of Fox 8 and Ryan Naquin of Rob Ryan Productions, will return as our energetic emcees to lead the afternoon’s featured activities– famous Dog Costume Contest and Beer Stein Holding Contest.
Dress your pup in their best Halloween get-up to strut their stuff on our “dog” walk. First and second place prizes courtesy of local favorite Urban South Brewery. Special prize for Best Urban South-themed costume! Registration for the Dog Costume Contest starts at 12pm; contest begins at 1pm.
Urban South also sponsors the beloved Beer Stein Holding Contest. Contestants get a free beer and a signature stein to take home. One winner will be named in the women’s group and one in the men’s group. Registration begins at 12 p.m.; the contest starts at 2 p.m.
Adding to their participation in this year’s Barktoberfest, Urban South Brewery is setting up its iconic “Paradise Park” photo booth, complete with flamingos and the pink and turquoise trailer. Photos are FREE to the public!
An exclusive Barktoberfest Combo will be offered for the day, with $2 from each sold benefitting Zeus’s Rescues. The combo will include Urban South’s Oktoberfest beer and Dat Dog’s Smoked Brat dressed with sauerkraut and Creole mustard. Our famous Vegan Brat can be substituted for those customers interested in a plant-based sausage alternative.
Another fundraising feature is the raffling of goodies for both dogs and people from local shops like Jefferson Feed and the Sirens of New Orleans. One hundred percent of raffle ticket sales are donated to Zeus’ Rescue.
Fashionable finds for fur babies will be available from the Josephine Grace Puppy Couture pop-up shop.