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Date: 7/25/2023
SPRINGFIELD — Animal lovers and craft beer enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the return of the fifth annual Brew at the Zoo event at Forest Park Zoo on Aug. 5. The annual fundraiser promises an exciting day filled with unique brews, live entertainment and exotic animal encounters.
“We are, of course, excited to be holding it again this year. We have 24 brewers attending, including some professional brewers and home brewers who will be competing. There’s a lot of fun stuff that’s going on,” said Gabry Tyson, the zoo’s development manager.
The Brew at the Zoo event is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, with all the funds going toward the general operating fund. Crucial financial support enables the zoo to provide daily care for the 225 animals that call Forest Park home.
“Many of the animals that do live here have permanent disabilities preventing them from living freely in the wild,” Tyson noted. “The money goes to help with their daily care and allows us to provide them with a safe and happy home year-round.”
The event has become a cherished fixture in Forest Park and the Springfield community. The zoo opened 125 years ago.
“We’ve been here in some capacity for over 125 years. We’re looking forward to keeping that going,” Tyson said. “It’s exciting to see people from the community come not only with their families during our season but for this event.”
This year’s Brew at the Zoo will showcase a diverse selection of beers from 24 brewers. The event’s highlight is the homebrew competition organized by the SPARGE Homebrew Club, offering participants a chance to win two prizes — the People’s Choice and the Brewer’s Choice.
In addition to the brews, the event will feature food trucks. Attendees sample selections from Thai Chili Street Food, Elo’s Hibachi Food Truck, and vegan-friendly offerings from Soul Fully Vegan.
Live music performances sponsored by PeoplesBank includes Andy Cavanaugh and Christina Cerbone of the Stillwater Band.
Event organizers have outlined a ticketing structure. VIP tickets, priced at $75, grant attendees an extra hour of sampling, exclusive animal encounters, and a limited-edition tasting glass.
General admission tickets are available for $50, while designated driver tickets offer the opportunity to enjoy animal encounters without consuming alcohol. VIP designated driver tickets are priced at $35, with general admission options at $25.
It’s important to note that attendees must be 21 or older and present valid identification upon entry. The event will proceed rain or shine, with no refunds available.
The utmost priority is placed on the safety of both guests and zoo residents, and any individual compromising their well-being will be promptly removed without a refund.