Walking through the gate of Boston’s first annual Barktoberfest at SoWa Open Market, our senses were overwhelmed with the sight of puppies in cute, dainty vests, the smell of freshly brewed beer, and the savory tastes of food truck delicacies. Along with the anticipated doggie costume contest, the pet parade for doggie contestants, and the cornhole tournament, we cannot help but feel highly spirited despite the gloomy sky and the slight drizzle.
The SoWa Power Station, originally a looming industrial power plant, has been repurposed into a large community space. Its brick facade provides a hipster backdrop that appeals to those of us who like to flaunt our interesting escapades via instagram. Every Sunday from May 1 to Oct. 30, the Power Station houses a Beer and Wine Garden open to the public.
This Sunday, however, the alcohol is coupled with canines and a cause. The Boston Barktoberfest is not just an excuse to have a few beers with our best four-legged canine friends, but also serves to raise awareness and funds for sheltered dogs at the Animal Rescue League.
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“We wanted a really fun environment for people to enjoy and hang out with their dog,” Elizabeth Dobrska, the co-chair of the Young Professionals group of the Animal Rescues League of Boston, explains as she attempted to keep her own rescue dog—a Chihuahua named Michu—warm under her jacket. “Who can ask for more during October?”
Dobrska, who is sporting a pair of Chihuahua earrings, explains that she has been involved with the Animal Rescue League for more than 5 years. She and her co-chair, Diana Z. Akelman, started the Young Professional group three years ago. In addition to Barktoberfest, the Young Professional group also organizes the Dog Treat Decorating Party and the annual Kitten Shower in June.
Dobrska describes Barktoberfest as a great success. “Selling out is the largest indicator of that,” she says. “Lots of smiles. Lots of happy dogs... We’re very happy.”
One avid dog lover, Anna F. O’Hara (accompanied by her chocolate lab Meadow), describes their first Barktoberfest as “absolutely amazing.” Meadow entered the costume contest as a hot dog, and the two of them were thrilled to find out that Fish and Bone, Meadow’s “favorite pet store,” was sponsoring Barktoberfest. Anna says she is “normally at every single dog event in the greater Boston area.”
O’Hara’s companion Kim Sokmensuer mentioned that she enjoyed the “low key” environment that surrounded Barktoberfest. Sokmensuer agreed that the whole experience, “the people, the dogs, the food, the beer, the environment,” was an amazing way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon and support the local animal shelter.
