What's known as the largest dog friendly craft beer festival in Southwest Idaho is happening Saturday, September 24th in Boise. B'Arc and Brew is a fundraiser for The Arc Idaho, a Boise nonprofit that teaches adults with disabilities social and work skills so they can become independent. The program includes the operation of an onsite dog treat business known as B'Arc Bones.
It's been a busy week at The Arc, as the nonprofit cooks up a big batch of B'Arc Bones. The peanut butter dog treats are made, marketed and sold by people with disabilities. It's one of several businesses at The Arc, providing these adults valuable job skills.
"It's teaching them that they can do more than what they expect, as well as what other people expect out of them," said Andrea Axtell a vocational specialist at The Arc.
"While they're working on the businesses here, they're learning new skills that hopefully help them achieve their dream job in the community in the future," explained Nicole Lang, development director of The Arc. "To see somebody achieve independence and do what they want to do, it's a pretty amazing thing."
The B'Arc Bones sell for $6 a bag at a variety of dog friendly stores around the Treasure Valley. This time spent in The Arc's kitchen, will hopefully lead to a more independent lifestyle for the program's participants.
"Being able to watch them grow is a lot of fun. They always brighten up your day, absolutely," Axtell said.
B'Arc and Brew is Saturday from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Highlands Hollow Brewhouse located at 2455 Harrison Hollow Boulevard in Boise. Admission to the event is $15 and includes a mug plus eight beer tastings. Dogs are encouraged to come! A dog parade and costume contest is on the schedule as well as live music.
For more information visit www.thearcinc.org.
