Two Events — One Epic Weekend
Alaqua Animal Refuge presents Animoré, to be held Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19, 2019 on the grounds of Alaqua’s future home along Highway 20 in Freeport, Florida. Animoré is the first annual festival in celebration of and for the love of animals. The combination of two words, Animoré symbolizes “animals” and “amore,” which means love in Italian.
Alaqua’s 6th Annual 100 Point and Cult Wine Dinner will be held Friday evening, October 18 beginning at 5 pm. This exclusive evening is a one-of-a-kind experience for a limited collection of patrons, as guests will be the first to dine in a most unique, surprise setting at Alaqua’s future home.
The elegant affair begins with a cocktail reception and an intimate musical performance, followed by an exquisite 5-course dinner prepared by Chef Brendan Davey, with each course perfectly paired with distinctive and stellar wines, procured especially for this dinner.
The animoré Inaugural Barn Jam takes place on Saturday, October 19 at 4 pm, and will feature roots-rocking, multi-instrumentalist Eric Lindell as the headliner, who has collaborated and shared stages with John Fogerty and Jackson Browne, and is a founding member of Dragon Smoke with Ivan Neville. In addition, Nashville songwriters Billy Dawson, Aaron Barker, and Jon Nite will also perform. Together, these award-winning songwriters and performers have written hits for George Strait, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Kenny Chesney, Lee Brice, Luke Bryan, and many more. Rounding out the lineup are local favorites The Pickled Pickers and Luke Langford Band. The Barn Jam will include a wide variety of food trucks, beverages, and auction.
The animoré weekend benefit was born out of an idea from Alaqua’s Founder Laurie Hood to create a community event combining music with excellent food and wine in support of animal welfare. For hundreds of years, music has enhanced our souls and holds a special spiritual power for engaging our senses. Interactions with animals also have powerful effects on the human spirit and body.
As such, one of our goals for our future home and its unique environment is to be an inspiration for creating a kinder, more empathetic, and healthier society by healing animals and people. We believe that this inaugural animoré festival does just that – bringing people together through music and engagement to help heal and give animals in Alaqua’s care second chances at life, happiness, and most of all, love.
Tickets are currently on sale for all events. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase tickets, visit www.animore.org.