Dog-Friendly Beer Festival Starts Today

The largest dog-friendly beer festival in the world takes place in Newport, Ore., today and tomorrow, May 16 and 17, and will include live music, local seafood, dog-inspired entertainment, and more than 50 microbreweries. Proceeds from the event will benefit local animal charities like Oregon Coast Therapy Animals and the Central Coast Humane Society.

Held in honor of Brewer, the Rogue Ales Brewery revered Chairman and resident black Labrador Retriever who passed away in May 2006, the event will take place inside the Rogue brewery where Brewer grew up. Dogs can participate in doggie musical chairs, dog dancing and celebrity dog look-alike contests. Canines can also try out dog food, dog accessories, and specialty doggie beer. Volunteers will also host a dog washing station within a fenced dog run area overlooking the scenic Yaquina Bay.

Non-canines will enjoy tours of the Rogue Brewery's new brew system and the unveiling of John Maier's 2008 batch of Brewer Ale. The House of Spirits, Rogue's craft distillery located next door to the brewery, will also offer tours and tastings of its award-winning spirits like Spruce Gin and Hazelnut Spice Rum. The festival will also showcase crafts from local artisans, cuisine from area restaurants like Mo's and Local Ocean, and live music. This year's line-up features hometown favorites Ty Curtis Band, Whiskey Robbers, HooDoo Johnson, and Whiskey Puppy.

Entry to this 21-and-older event is $10, which includes a souvenir mug and five free taster tokens. Dogs get in free when accompanied by a human. For more details, go to www.brewersalefest.com