Brew at the Zoo brings people together for beer and animals

Sep. 15—WATERTOWN — Drinks were flowing, animals were out, and people made their way up to Zoo New York for its annual Brew at the Zoo event on Saturday afternoon.

As soon as the doors opened at 3 p.m., event-goers began filing in, making the walk up and down the exhibits while also sipping on their drink of choice.

Drinks and seeing the animals weren't the only thing the zoo had to offer. A music area was set up and people could also hear live music.

For those drinking, admission cost $40, or two for $70. For people who weren't drinking, admission was $12, and members got in free.

Once patrons paid for the drinking admission tickets, there was no additional cost for beer or wine once they got into the zoo.

Security also could be seen wandering the premises.

Zoo Executive Director Mark Irwin said he was specifically looking forward to some music, and seeing people's smiles as they walk around the zoo.

"It's personally my favorite time to see the zoo. The animals are more active, even, at this time of day. So, I'm looking forward to seeing friendly faces and walking the site while the animals are doing stuff," he said.

Irwin said events such as this are important to have "a vibrant membership" and "people coming to the zoo regularly."

Special paperwork has to be filled out through the state's liquor authority to host the event.

There were around a dozen vendors on the grounds.

People could also sign up to volunteer at the zoo during the event.

Event-goers, such as Ashley Hall, from Massena, and her boyfriend Billy Vandwalker, were able to see all of the animals.

"I've never heard of Brew at the Zoo and I've never been to the Watertown zoo at all," she said.

Hall was celebrating a belated birthday.

Since she had never been to the zoo, Hall said her first reaction was that it is "pretty cool."

One of the 11 vendors was Estella Garrow from Harrisville, owner of Stella Stitch Craft, which makes and sells smaller quilts along with bags. She said setting up for the event "was great."

"It was easy access," she said.

Garrow said she was hearing from her customers that they were enjoying the vendors. She said she's hoping that even if people don't purchase something from her at the event, they might remember her at another one she attends.

The zoo holds annual events throughout the year including Boo at the Zoo in October and Winter Wonderlights during December. To see all of the zoo's events, visit https://wdt.me/ZooEvents.