(Interlaken, NY) Americana Vineyards Winery is is very proud to announce that their dogs and official winery greeters, Max and Rubie, have completed their second children's book, "Where Food Comes From." And to celebrate, the pair is hosting "Woofstock" their second annual benefit for local shelters and rescues on June 7, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at the winery. Kids, pets and parents are all invited and asked to bring donations of pet food and supplies to support these local shelters and rescues: Pet the Pet Program of the Cayuga Dog Rescue, Second Chance Dog Rescue and the Beverly Animal Shelter.
The dogs, who are regular bloggers for the winery and twitter commentators on what goes on there, will be release their second children's book, "Rubie Loves Food" on June 7 at Woofstock. This year, the book is illustrated by Madeleine Bialke, who works at Americana Vineyards. Madeleine graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a BFA in Studio Art with double concentration in Painting and Printmaking. She is a long-time animal rights supporter and good friend of Max and Rubie. All three will be on hand to "sign" copies all day, with a portion of the sales also going to the rescues and shelters.
"Last year, the event was a huge success," said the pooches' dad, Joseph Gober, Jr., owner of Americana. "We raised over $3000 in supplies and money for the area shelters. And we want to blow the doors off of that this year!"
Americana has always been a pet-friendly winery, and a strong animal rights advocate. The winery team decided to bring it all together with a party. The day-long benefit will consist of plenty of kid-friendly and pet-friendly fun from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. The shelters will be on hand to accept donations, discuss pet adoption and allow everyone to cuddle with their "pet adoption ambassadors." In exchange for donations, (people) attendees will receive Doggone Fun Ticket for every dollar in donations they bring. The tickets can be used for activities like face painting, wine tastings, a pick-a-prize raffle and even more games than last year.
"Don't worry if you forget your donations though," said Patty Stark, co-chair of the benefit, and long-time winery employee. "You can still buy tickets for a dollar each. And all the donations -- supplies, food and money -- will be split up among the shelters and rescues at the end of the day."
For the adults, there will be local food vendors, wine slushies, neighboring wineries and distilleries sampling and selling, pet adoption and pet care information. For four-legged family members, there will be several pet vendors on hand, including Bo's Bones Organic Dog Biscuits from Etna. Also for the dogs, there will be grooming, homemade dog biscuits created by the winery's Crystal Lake Café's Chef Jen Ungberg, a photo booth where they can have their pictures taken for custom wine labels when their "moms and dads" buy a bottle of Americana wine, and plenty of room to run and romp. For the kids, there will be live book readings, crafts, a real fire truck for them to explore, and plenty of kid friendly foods and games. For kids, dogs and adults alike, there will be a full day of live music, generously donated by area musicians for the cause. For kids, dogs and adults alike, there will be a full day of live music, generously donated by area musicians for the cause. The bands for the day are The Tarps, El Caminos and The Purple Valley, and will each play 2-hour sets in the Gazebo, starting at noon.
A full schedule of festivities and updates will be available at Woofstock TAB on Americana Vineyards Winery's Facebook page.
"Rubie and I know we have it made here at Americana. Our Dads are awesome and everyone here gives us nothing but love. But we know that there are lots of dogs and cats that don't have any home at all," woofs Max, the elder spokes-pup of the dynamic canine duo. "We are so glad we're able to do this benefit again to help our brothers and sisters out who aren't as lucky. Maybe this will help them get a chance at a great life too!"
