Friends of the National Zoo’s fifth annual Brew at the Zoo features bands, food, 35 beers Here’s a way to kill two birds with one stone: Support both your love of animals and love of beer with the Friends of the National Zoo’s fifth annual Brew at the Zoo this Thursday.
OK, perhaps “kill two birds” in a story about the zoo doesn’t ring appropriate, but you get the idea.
Brew at the Zoo is one of a handful of annual fundraising opportunities for FONZ, the National Zoo’s young professionals group. This year, the event features more than 35 breweries, two live bands and plenty of food. The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on the zoo grounds.
“I drink anything that has a head on it,” joked Bob Lamb, executive director of FONZ. “I don’t think there’s ever been a beer I didn’t like.”
Brew at the Zoo features mostly craft breweries giving samples, most of them offering more than one style to sample. Breweries this year include Clipper City, Dogfish Head, Flying Dog, Harpoon, Peak Organic and Star Hill, to name just a few.
“My belief is that when it comes to craft beers, a rising tide lifts all boats,” said Harpoon Mid-Atlantic Sales Manager Nick Dean, who will be attending his third Brew at the Zoo. “It’s good exposure.”
The large number of nationally recognized microbrews makes Brew at the Zoo a must for beer lovers.
“We’re all like carnies,” said Mark Thompson, founder and brewmaster of Charlottesville-based Star Hill, an up-and-comer that has only recently entered the D.C. market. “We have a relationship. That’s the cool thing about being a craft brewer. It’s like a high school reunion.”
Armand’s Pizzeria, Hard Times Café and Rockland’s Barbeque will provide food; Gonzo’s Nose and the Batala Percussion Band will contribute musical entertainment.
“It’s a very social experience, like wine is,” Lamb said, explaining the appeal of a beer event.
Proceeds from the event support animal care, conservation, education and sustainability. Last year’s Brew at the Zoo raised more than $75,000, with the goal this year even higher despite the struggling economy.
“In this economy, we were initially apprehensive, but we’ve gotten great support,” said Lamb, who acknowledges that overall fundraising for the zoo has slowed. “We’ve found that fundraising has been challenging. We have ambitious fundraising goals.”
The next big young professional event at the zoo is Night of the Living Zoo on Oct. 30, with tickets starting at $15 for FONZ members and $25 for nonmembers.
For more information, visit nationalzoo.si.edu.
