Barbecue, brew and man's best friend: Event to benefit Operation Pets Alive

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- Does your BBQ pride have what is takes to save a life?

Southern Star Brewing Company is introducing the 1st Annual Southern Star BBQ Cook-Off on Saturday, April 22 to benefit Operation Pets Alive with a Pre-Cook- Off tailgate party on Friday, April 21 to kick off the festivities.

This craft brewery was founded in Conroe, TX in July 2007 and was the first to can craft beer in Texas. They offer a variety of craft beers on tap and well known in seven states for their famous Bombshell Blonde Ale. The dramatic increase in popularity provided the opportunity to move their brewing operations in 2016 to a custom build facility on over 13-acres, to feature an extraordinary taproom to overlook the production brewhouse, an outdoor Biergarten with a live music stage and a disc golf course.

The BBQ Cook-Off festivities will be the event of the year! Free admission for Friday night's Pre-Cook- Off tailgate party. The fun will be heating up on Saturday with $12 admission for adults and free for kids.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Operations Pets Alive. Operation Pets Alive is a non-profit, all- volunteer organization striving to elevate Montgomery County to a No-Kill community through innovative programs that focuses on raising community awareness, reducing the number of dogs and cats that enter their shelters, and increase the number of dogs and cats that leave their shelters alive.

The Barbecue Cook-Off competition offers $2900 in cash prizes and custom trophies, to include rustic wood coolers and cap catcher bottle openers! There is endless entertainment throughout day including:

• Texas bands performing live on the Biergarten stage throughout the day, featuring Josh Fuller, The Warm Breeze Band, The Lime Traders, and Caleb & The Homegrown Tomatoes.
• Craft Beer to wash down the Barbecue goodness
• Raffling of a 2016 Harley Davidson Roadster Sportster Motorcycle!!! Drawing will take place at 5 p.m. just after the announcements of the winning Barbecue cook-off teams. Buy your raffle tickets now for a chance to WIN at www.oparescueride.org/harleydavidsonraffle.
• Silent Auctions
• Agility and Police Dog Demonstrations
• Pet Adoptions
• Market Vendors
• Food Trucks
• Fun & Games

Events Director of Southern Star, Danielle Betz quotes, “"Our new facility has opened the opportunity to host a variety of events for community efforts. Southern Star's dog friendly Biergarten has given us the ability to assist in pairing dogs in need with new loving homes. It's a great honor to partner with Operation Pets Alive to expand animal welfare efforts.”

Additionally, Operation Pets Alive Annual Rescue Ride Flight For Life, a 100 Mile motorcycle bike benefit ride, will be held on April 22. The destination for the after party of the benefit ride will be at Southern Star Brewing during the BBQ Cook-Off and include free admission to the event.

Southern Star Brewing is located at 3525 North Frazier Street, Conroe, TX 77303. Check out their website for all their great upcoming events, www.southernstarbrewing.com

For cook-off team application please contact Danielle Betz, Southern Star’s Events Director by emailing danielle@southernstarbrewing.com or by calling 935-539- 9388. Limited space of 30 teams so don’t wait to enter!