No Animal Left Behind ~ Sip and Snip

On Saturday, April 25, 2015, a special event called “Sip ‘n Snip” will take place in downtown Utica. Proceeds from the wine and craft beer tasting benefit will be donated to “No Animal Left Behind” for low-cost spaying/neutering of local cats and dogs. The event was created two years ago by Jean Nakaerts, founder and president of the Marseilles-based non-profit organization. Danna Stillwell of August Hill Winery said, “It was a perfect pairing when a photo contest was added to create the signature wine labels for Sip ‘n Snip. Many pet photos have already been submitted for this year’s event, where it costs just $1 to vote for your favorite cat or dog. Some entrants earned more than $500 in votes!”
 
The top four votes will be featured on the 2015 Sip ‘n Snip wine labels and formally announced at the fundraiser which runs from noon to 4:00 pm in the August Hill Winery Tasting Room (106 Mill Street). Tickets are $15/person or $25 for two. people if purchased by April 20 or $20/person after April 20. This fee includes a souvenir glass and 10 tasting tickets. Additional tickets will be available at the event for $1 each. There will also be a Wine & Craft Beer Tasting, Silent Auction, Wheel of Chance and community participation. For tickets and details, go to www.augusthillwinery.com.
 
Starved Rock Lodge will have a booth at the event along with Duffy’s Tavern, Skoog’s Pub, Canal Port and the Bow Wow Boutique. In addition to offering tastings of a variety of Starved Rock wines, the Lodge will be sharing the news that they recently made dog owners happier by allowing three Pioneer Cabins to become pet friendly! With an additional fee of $35 per pet, per stay, guests can have their best friend tag along while hiking through Starved Rock State Park and then spend the night in a cozy cabin in the woods. Dogs must weigh less than 50 lbs. or two dogs with a combined weight of 50 lbs. Some restrictions apply and availability is limited. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor Veranda at Starved Rock Lodge, where a tasty, “Doggie Delights Menu” is also available. Dogs are welcome on all trails and on Guided Hikes promoted by the Lodge (but must be kept on a leash at all times). For more information or to book a pet-friendly cabin, go to: www.starvedrocklodge.com or call (815) 667-4211.