Charles Paddock Zoo hosts 11th annual event, raising funds for wildlife conservation with beer, wine, and entertainment
By Maylia Baird
Of Atascadero News
ATASCADERO — Saturday, Sept. 7, was the 11th annual Brew at the Zoo, and it was packed with attendees, volunteers, vendors, breweries, pastry booths, food trucks, and even shaved ice as people enjoyed their drinks, walked around, and admired the animals. Twice a year, the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero holds Brew at the Zoo, a unique fundraising event.
This was their second Brew at the Zoo event this year and the zoo’s main mission is to support wildlife conservation. The zoo is passionate about the conservation of endangered species as well as educating the community about wildlife and providing a safe and exciting activity for residents and visitors of the Central Coast. All proceeds from the event benefit the zoo’s continued education and conservation endeavors.
“Everybody is being very respectful and having really good behavior around the animals,” said Zoo Director Dr. Cynthia Stringfield. “Sometimes, events where there’s alcohol things can happen, and that’s not happening. It’s part of, I think, the way this community is. They really love the zoo and support the zoo.”
Various craft beer, wine, seltzer, cider, and distilled spirits were available to participants from breweries all over San Luis Obispo County and beyond. Attending breweries this year were Ancient Peaks Winery, Ballast Point Brewing, Black Market Spirits, Blast & Brew, Cali Squeeze, Central Coast Brewing, Eberle Winery, Fig Mountain Brewing, Firestone Walker, Golden State Cider, KiloKilo Brewing, Kula Vineyards, MEA Wine, Oak and Otter Brewing, Pupoloco Sangria, Shindig Cider, SLO Cider, Spent Grain Brewing, Tarantula Hill Brewing, Topa Topa, and Wild Fields. Paradise Shaved Ice provided non-alcoholic beverage options for designated drivers as well.
When asked what she thinks makes this event unique, Kathy Vallino, who has been with Eberley Winery for 19 years, told Atascadero News, “Well, it’s a fundraiser for the zoo, and I love animals, so it’s one of my very favorites to pour for.”
At this event, there was a hula hoop and dance competition, games, prizes, live music from The Vibe Setters and Ghost Monster, and more. Each attendee received a collectible glass to refill and try different types of breweries throughout the event. Sponsors of this event included: Gold sponsor Waste Management; and Bronze sponsors 5 Star Rain Gutters and Mechanics Bank. Pacific Beverage Company and En Fuego Events assisted with the variety of beverages this year as well.
The Charles Paddock Zoo is home to over 200 animals, including a Mayalan tiger, red pandas, monkeys, fossa, meerkats, parrots, and different kinds of reptiles, to name a few. They are also proudly one of the only 236 totalinstitutions accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
“It’s not a regular brew, winery event; you’re actually here with animals from around the world,” said Rachelle Rickard, the incoming president of the Friends of the Charles Paddock Zoo. “It’s just a different environment — that’s what makes it more unique and, I think, more interesting,”
Atascadero has been coming alive more than ever this year, hosting brand new and past community-loved events to promote and grow our downtown area and local businesses.
“We have all these different events to promote the city and get people to come and enjoy their town, residents especially, and then also tourism,” Director of Community Services and Promotions Terrie Banish told Atascadero News. “When tourists are here, they like community events, and this is one of those community events that get a lot of people coming through.”
Brew at the Zoo will be back next year, so make sure to keep an eye out for other exciting local events happening this year, too. Visit visitatascadero.com/events/ for more information.
Feature Image: Guests enjoy supporting the Charles Paddock Zoo during the 11th Annual Brew at the Zoo on Saturday, Sept. 7. Photos by Rick Evans
