By ARABELLA SERRATA
Special to the PRESS
Barktoberfest is set to return to Hopper Haus Bar n’ Grill on Sunday, Oct. 27.
Sponsored by Hopper Haus, the event is slated to be full of animal-loving and German food specials.
Barktoberfest will feature pet adoptions, dog costume contests and a raffle.
Each raffle ticket is five dollars, and the proceeds will be donated to the Laguna Madre Humane Society.
Draft beers will also be available for five dollars and the pint glass is free to take.
There is a steinholding contest with male and female divisions. Winners will get a $50 gift certificate and
a trophy. Registration is available on the Facebook event listing. The steinholding contest is a new addition
to the event. According to the United States Steinholding Association, Steinholding is a “traditional
Bavarian strength contest,” where competitors hold a full liter of beer straight parallel to them for as long as
possible.
The dog costume contest will have a $100 gift certificate grand prize.
The event is inspired by Oktoberfest. According to Britannica, Oktoberfest is a German holiday initially
dedicated to celebrating the marriage of a German prince. The holiday made its way to American cities with
large German populations.
According to Barton “Bic” Bickerton, Hopper Haus co-owner, the Laguna Madre Humane Society will showcase dogs and cats available for adoption. Bickerton calls the event a “good chance to get some of these dogs adopted.”
Hopper Haus is a bar and grill at 418 E Queen Isabella Blvd. Port Isabel, TX, 78578. The Laguna Madre Humane Society is a non-profit organization that makes veterinary services and pet care education available to the Rio Grande Valley. According to their website, they offer low-cost spay and neuter programs. Those interested in volunteering, sponsoring, adopting or fostering can visit their website at lmhsclinic.com.
Businesses are encouraged to donate money or items for the raffle. Interested parties can contact Bickerton
directly on the Hopper Haus Facebook page, or call (956) 330-0894.
Barktoberfest will start at 5 p.m. on Oct. 27.