Heidi and I have been to many beer festivals and beer tastings over the last few months but the most unique one we have been to so far is the Brew at the Zoo event held at the Hemker Zoo in Freeport Minnesota. The event is held on the third Thursday in June from 6 to 9 pm. The event brings together craft beverage enthusiasts and supporters of the zoo to sample beer, wine and spirits from local venders as they explore the zoo.This event is a fundraising event hosted by the Guardians of Conservation, a nonprofit organization. The proceeds are used to help endangered and threatened animal populations. The history and events put on by the zoo make it an interesting and important part of the local community.
The Hemker Park and Zoo was first opened in 1977 by Mark and Joan Hemker as Hemker Game Farm. The Hemker Game Farm started out with only waterfowl but in1980 acquired its first pair of white tail deer and a black bear. In 1985 it added pronghorn antelope and its first pair of reindeer. In 1992 the zoo was renamed the Hemker Wildlife Park and acquired six black-footed penguins. Over the years the park has grown and in 1994 the zoo was opened to the public for the first time. In 2006 owner Mark Hemker passed away and the family decided to keep the zoo open in his memory. The Zoo added a new picnic area in 2008 and changed its name to the Hemker Park and Zoo. The zoo currently has over 200 animals and is being run by Joan Hemker and her children along with their families.
The Hemker Zoo puts on many events throughout the year starting in February with For the Love of Rhino’s Gala. The Gala is an upscale evening of fine food and great drinks that benefit the International Rhino Foundation and also sponsored the purchase of an x-ray machine for the animals at Hemker Park & Zoo. In June the park puts on Brew in the Zoo, a fundraising event that brings supporters of the zoo together with local beer, cider, wine and spirit vendors for an incredible experience that allows you to sample adult beverages as you explore the zoo. In July the park puts on 2 events that are made to order for families, The first is the Hemker Park and Zoo Summer Party and the second is the Royal Party. Both events are designed for family involvement. In the fall the park and zoo puts on 3 events. The first is the Fall Zoo Fest and is held in early September. The next fall event is Zootoberfest and that is held in early October. To finish out the fall season the zoo puts on Boo at the Zoo on 2 Saturdays in October. Finally, they finish out the year with Santa Days when Santa comes and visits the zoo for a couple weekends in November.
The zoo does a great job of bringing people in for different events. Heidi suggested that we go to the Brew at the Zoo event and I was intrigued by the idea of sampling adult beverages and checking out the animals at the zoo. Heidi’s daughter was excited to see the animals again, especially the otters, Nutter & Sophia. Lucky for us, she can drive so we could both drink and enjoy the event. The general admission tickets were $40.00 in advance and $45.00 at the door. The VIP tickets were $80.00. Even though the VIP tickets came with cool things like fast pass entrance, an exclusive VIP lounge and sweet event swag, we decided to get the general admission tickets. The zoo had different vendors spaced out throughout the property which gave us an opportunity to sample as we walked through the zoo. There were many different styles of beer, cider, wine and spirits to sample. Many of the vendors were from central MN but there were some from out state MN as well. There was a good turnout for the event yet we still had plenty of opportunity to stop and talk to the vendors about their samples and their establishments. The Brew at the Zoo event is a great way to see the zoo in a fun and unique way. There is nothing like looking at giraffes, penguins, otters, and a massive rhino while sipping on a craft beer. The Hemker Park and Zoo puts on a great event that brings craft beverage lovers together to raise awareness and funds for a great cause. If you enjoy craft beverages and want a unique experience, the Brew at the Zoo is something worth checking out.
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