Sanford is a super dog friendly town, full of fun places all year round for dogs to hang out while their owners eat, drink, and shop. We’ve even written about all the Sanford activities you can take your dog to right here.
But dogs really get their day in the sun at Pints n’ Paws, Sanford’s only pet and craft beer festival, hosted by the West End Trading Company! Pet owners and their favorite four legged friends are invited to participate in doggie contests, sample craft beers, and make new friends, all while strolling the beautiful brick streets of the Sanford Historic District. And best yet, 100% of the event’s proceeds go to Dolly’s Foundation and Pet Rescue By Judy, local charities that help make the world more dog friendly by spaying and neutering, finding homes for homeless pets, and educating the public to be better owners.
I asked West End owner Paul Williams to tell me a little more about how Pints n’ Paws, now in its fourth year, got started. “I always wanted to do a craft beer festival, and I love the pups. So it was an easy combo,” he said. The West End is known for its fun, everyone-is-welcome attitude, and that extends right down to the pets themselves. “The best part is how awesome all the dogs get along,” Paul told me. “You can tell they are always exhausted by the end from all the excitement!”
I asked Paul what new things at Pints n’ Paws we should get excited about. “What’s new is that this year is gona be HUGE,” he said. “85 breweries will be there.” Woah! That’s a whole lotta beer. The list of breweries includes local favorites Hourglass and Home Sick, and Sanford’s own Wop’s Hops, Inner Compass, and Sanford Brewing Company. (Did you know Downtown Sanford is going to have three breweries within four blocks of each other? Now you do! Check out their Facebook pages for more details.)
The event will also feature delicious selections from local food trucks, including Kona Dog, The London Fish & Chippy, Sweet City Gelato, EL Cactus Azul, Chillin’ N Grillin” and The Crepe Co. Yum, yum, yum.
Here are some more fun bits about the event from Paul:
Sumalee: So what is the best costume you’ve ever seen at Pints n’ Paws?
Paul: I saw a couple twin pugs in tutus last year, they were adorable.
S: What was your first pet?
Paul: My first pet was Hank, an adorable chocolate lab.
S: Do you have any pets now?
P: I currently do not. I have been waiting for the right time since my last lab Hunter passed away. This may be the year!
S: If you were a dog, what kind would you be?
P: A mutt. A plain ol merican mutt. Just like the kind of human I am.
I don’t care how much a mutt you might be, Paul, Sanford loves you and this event! So if you want to take your dog on a date this weekend, tell Fido to throw on a crazy costume, bring your appetite for beer, and come on down to Pints n’ Paws!
For more information about Pints n’ Paws, visit their website or Facebook.
Buy your tickets here: Pints n’ Paws Tickets
All of the lovely event photos are courtesy of AR Photo.
