View the Q & Brew as a beer and barbecue must-do with the who’s who of the zoo.
At this fourth annual fundraiser for the Chattanooga Zoo, set for Saturday night, July 18, guests can hobnob with chimpanzees and rub elbows with the African pygmy goat. The spider monkeys will be so happy to have visitors they’ll be performing acrobatics. The rest of the crew, from cotton-top tamarins to komodo dragons, red pandas to snow leopards, will be awaiting guests’ arrival.
“We will have multiple animal encounters, a tortoise race, cornhole game sets, and all animals will be on exhibit during the event,” says Hannah Hammon, director of marketing and communications. “Other offerings with additional cost that will be provided are camel rides, train rides, carousel rides and Tikiz Shaved Ice.”
Zoo officials expect as many as 1,000 to attend, and that’s in addition to zoo residents.
Adults have the opportunity to enjoy the brews presented by Carter Distributing, and everyone can dine on the tasty barbecue prepared by local restaurants including Bareknuckles, Double Barrel, Moonshiners, Beast + Barrel, Family Concessions, Choo Choo Bar-B-Que of East Brainerd, Couch’s, JC’s Family BBQ, Texas Roadhouse, Chubby’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Golden Corral at Hamilton Place, Chattytown BBQ, Backyard Barbecue, Petunia’s Silver Jalapeno and Rib & Loin.
Participants will be able to taste each vendor’s barbecue and vote for their favorite. Full dinner plates also will be available for purchase from each vendor. The winner of the tasting will receive the Best BBQ in the ‘Noog: Peoples’ Choice Award, along with other prizes.
Hammon says proceeds from the event will go toward the zoo’s expansion as well as on-site education programming.
“Throughout the school year, the Chattanooga Zoo offers free and reduced admission for field trips and programs for schoolchildren, and the funds raised at this event will help offset these on-site programs,” she says.
In addition to granting admission, event tickets include samples of barbecue, a signature Q & Brew souvenir cup and two complimentary beverages.
The Zoo will be open to the public until 4 p.m. on Saturday. It will re-open from 5 to 8 p.m. for the event.
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6396.