Humane Pennsylvania (Humane PA) has announced the return of the original Mega Pints for Pups event, which will feature live music, craft drinks, food trucks and vendors. The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, July 19, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the Danielle Ruiz-Murphy Dog Park, 503 S. Center Road (Route 82), Birdsboro.

Live music will be provided by The Youngers from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by Dibbs and the Detonators from 7 to 9 p.m. The Youngers, a band from Reading, play a blend of American music, including rock, alternative country and bluegrass. Based in Glenside, Dibbs and the Detonators play swing, rockabilly and classic country music.

More information about the bands is available at http://www.facebook.com/theyoungersofficialpage and http://www.facebook.com/DIBBSANDTHEDETS, respectively.

"(Music will take place) by the big red barn, which has tons of space, so we will have an entire area for music," said Lauren Henderson Pignetti, Humane PA director of development. "The music is a big draw for folks."

Food trucks that will be on hand at the event include Fresh Frenchy's, Pip & Lily's Loaded Tots and Munchiezpa! Guests can enjoy specialty drinks and mocktails from local vendors, including Ashlynn Distillery, Aulenbach Wines, Casa W Distillery, Cigar City Brewing, City Distilling, J & P Winery, Kitt's Cafe & Gandalf's Garden, Ridgewood Winery, Rusty Rail Brewing Company, Twitchy Coffee Company and Troeegs Independent Brewing.

Vendors will be on hand selling pet-related items, including dog treats and pet accessories, and there will also be games, giveaways and an opportunity to win prizes.

There are several ticket options available, including a designated driver ticket, which includes non-alcoholic beverages. "This is good for people under age 21 so they can participate," Pignetti noted.

Also offered is a general admission ticket, which includes access to more than 75 samples of beer, wine, mixed drinks and mocktails and a commemorative Pints for Pups glass. A VIP (Very Important Pinter) ticket includes the same samples, plus access to the VIP area with free, full pours; one food truck meal voucher; and a commemorative Pints for Pups glass and poster.

Pignetti noted that the last Mega Pints for Pups event was held in 2017. "We switched to a mini Pints (for Pets) model and partnered with different breweries and wineries that hosted fundraisers on our behalf," she explained. "In 2017, we had 400 people (in attendance for Mega Pints for Pups). It was a massive event, but it was at Dietrich Park in Reading. For this event, we are hoping to have around 200 to 250 people."

Pets will be welcome. "We prefer that people bring dogs that will enjoy this type of environment - well-behaved, leashed dogs," Pignetti added.

All proceeds will support Humane Pennsylvania's adoption centers, veterinary services and community programs. According to http://www.humanePA.org, the organization has a mission "to empower people to increase their capacity to care for animals so that all animals are healthy, safe and treated humanely." 

To purchase tickets in advance, visit https://humanepa.org/events/upcoming-events and choose "Mega Pints for Pups." It is recommended that VIP tickets be purchased in advance. A limited number of general admission tickets will be available at the door.

Those with questions may contact Pignetti at LPignetti@HumanePA.org or 610-750-6100, ext. 211.

For pet owners looking for a place where their dogs can run in a safe environment, the Ruiz-Murphy Dog Park is open seven days a week during daylight hours and is free to the public. One side of the dog park has an enclosed area for small or shy dogs, while the other part is for large or active dogs.