Vicky Kuharski, Staff Writer~
The Lynchburg Hillcats and Lynchburg Humane Society have been working together to bring the Quarter Mile Beer Run and Slobberstock to the community.
On Saturday, Oct. 7, patrons of the event can participate in a family-friendly quarter mile beer run. From 11a.m. to 5 p.m., activities, beer and live entertainment will be provided.
This event is one of many that the Hillcats and Lynchburg Humane Society have joined forces for during the baseball season.
Hillcats President Chris Jones was quoted on the official minor league baseball website saying, “I’m thrilled to be working with the Lynchburg Humane Society this coming season and beyond.”
Jones also stated that in terms of community and support, his intention is to strengthen the team’s presence in those areas.
There are several ways in which the team has done just that for the shelter. This past January, the Hillcats sponsored the Humane Society’s adoption banner. They were also able to implement “Meow Mondays” this year, which fit for both the team’s mascot and the shelter. Those attending Monday games were given the option to bring cans of pet food for a three dollar discount off of their tickets.
According to Julie Barger, director of development at the Humane Society, the Calvin Falwell Field became the first minor league ballpark in the United States to be dog-friendly year-round. The partnership was even able to work together with the reveal of the Hillcat’s new mascot.
In the winter of 2016, the Hillcats revealed their new branding for the team, which included not only a new logo, but a new mascot as well. The story behind the new mascot pictures the retired mascot, Southpaw, browsing the Humane Society’s website in search of a pet to adopt. He finds Southpaw 2.0, an exotic shorthair, and quickly adopts him.
Tickets for the event can be found online for $20 or can be purchased for $25 at the door. A portion of the ticket prices will be donated to the Humane Society, and non-participants in the race are encouraged to give a $5 donation upon entry. Tickets not only allow entry, but also include two drink tickets, a t-shirt and a medal. Though patrons are able to participate in the quarter mile run, participation is not mandatory.
A number of breweries will be at the event for those 21 and over including Starr Hill, Devil’s Backbone and Apocalypse. Tailgate games such as cornhole will be provided, and prizes will be handed out to fans wearing the best costumes, as well as fans with the best team names for competitions.
Live entertainment will be provided throughout the day, beginning with Spare Parts from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by Marie Anderson, a Top 40s cover artist that often plays around Lynchburg and Smith Mountain Lake. Anderson will be playing from 1:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Bo and Zach from the Long Mountain Band will be closing the evening out with classic country music from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be several family-friendly activities provided as well. Children can participate in the “Root Beer Run” and Fun Zone inflatables.
Be sure to keep an eye out for volunteers from the Humane Society if you are looking for a new pet. They will be walking around the stadium with animals in “Adopt Me” vests that are available for immediate foster or adoption.
More information can be found on either the Hillcat’s or the Humane Society’s websites.