CAPE GAZETTE - Milton celebrates Pride Month Inn The Doghouse
CAPE GAZETTE | JUNE 15, 2021
Milton celebrates Pride Month
Milton Theatre and Inn The Doghouse came together June 8 to throw a fundraising event for Pride Month. The theater is holding Pride-themed shows and selling flags for display around town. Taking part in the June 8 event are (l-r) Theater Director Fred Munzert, and Inn The Doghouse owners Annette Babich and Mal Meehan. RYAN MAVITY PHOTOS
Milton Theatre is hosting a month of performances tied to national Pride Month, and to celebrate, the theater joined forces with Inn The Doghouse to host a party and fundraiser June 8.
Milton Theatre’s Pride events started two years ago as somewhat of a lark.
“We just kind of threw it out there,” Director Fred Munzert said. “We had great support from the town and the community at large. We had another one planned last year with a parade, and we know what happened then.”
Munzert said planning for this year’s Pride Month came about very quickly, as COVID-19 restrictions eased up in the spring. However, he has been thrilled with the response, which has seen homes and businesses all over Milton put up rainbow flags in support.
“It really took on its own personality,” Munzert said. “We decided to do this, and one by one, people started calling us and coming in. I think it’s really great that the community can see that support. Milton is a really diverse community, but to see it hanging on the houses and the businesses is amazing.”
He said people wanting a flag can get one at Milton Theatre; the flags have been so popular, they have sold out twice.
Inn The Doghouse held an event for Pride Month during its grand opening two years ago, and co-owner Annette Babich said they wanted to get involved this year. The event included food vendors, a steel drum player and local artisans selling handmade goods. For Babich and partner Mal Meehan, the June 8 event was a chance to show off the bed and breakfast’s most major upgrade: a new tiki bar/stage in the back.
“It really does work,” Meehan said. “People feel like they’re on vacation when they’re sitting there.”
Marie Mayor and Milton Mayor Ted Kanakos take part in the event.
Kathryn Luciana of Huzzah in Harbeson works at her booth selling handmade wearable items.
Enjoying the atmosphere at the Pride event are (l-r) Milton Councilman John Collier, Councilwoman Randi Meredith and her husband Eban Brittingham.
Kathryn Gebbia, left, and Kerrine Walls, of Milton Theatre sell raffle tickets during the event.
Lisa Chambers of Delaware Bay Clay shows off her handmade clay dishes.
Patrons at the June 8 event congregate near the new tiki bar at Inn The Doghouse in Milton.
CAPE GAZETTE - Dog Days of Summer Festival to return in 2021
CAPE GAZETTE | MAY 24, 2021
Dog Days of Summer Festival to return in 2021
Inn The Doghouse co-owners Mal Meehan and Annette Babich, along with pooches Belle and Taffy, plan to bring back the Dog Days of Summer Festival in Milton, set for Saturday, Sept. 18. A new attraction is the tiki bar stage, which will host four bands at this year’s festival.
RYAN MAVITY PHOTO
You can’t keep a good dog down, and you can’t keep a festival centered around dogs down, either.
Dog Days of Summer Festival, which debuted in Milton in 2019 before being canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to return on Saturday, Sept. 18.
Founded by Inn The Doghouse owners Annette Babich and Mal Meehan, the festival brings together music, vendors and the potential to go home with your very own furry friend through on-site pet adoptions conducted by Doggone Happy Animal Rescue.
“We’re excited. We were trying to do it last year, but we felt like we couldn’t put on a show with a nice experience. This year feels hopeful. Hopefully, it will be bigger and better,” Babich said.
She said this year’s event will be an hour longer, lasting from 2 to 7 p.m., and will have four bands on the newly built stage. Proceeds from the event will be split among Doggone Happy Animal Rescue, Milton Community Food Pantry and Milton Fire Department. In 2019, the festival raised $7,500 for charity.
Babich and Meehan said this year they wanted to curate the vendors a bit more to focus on local artisans. The duo decided not to do food trucks this year, but instead have food vendors.
While vendors and adoptions are what Dog Days is built around, new for this year is the tiki bar stage built by Tiki Murph in Milford. The 20-foot-diameter stage is oriented to face the largest part of the yard, so visitors will get a good view of the bands, which this year will include J.C. Andersen, Pawnshop Roses, Hot Sauce Band and Lower Case Blues. Meehan said they hope in the future to use the stage for other events, including music and theater performances.
Babich and Meehan said the timing was right to bring the event back, as COVID-19 related restrictions on outdoor gatherings begin to lift.
“I think people are going to be out because they are looking for activity … they have been cooped up in the house for a year. With people getting vaccinated, you feel a level of comfort being out and about,” Babich said.
Meehan said the event will still have to follow state COVID guidelines, including masks, sanitary stations, social distancing, contact tracing and hand sanitizer at every booth.
For more information and tickets to Dog Days of Summer Festival, visit www.dogdaysofsummerfestival.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
CAPE GAZETTE - Fun kid zone planned for Dog Days of Summer Festival
CAPE GAZETTE | SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
Fun kid zone planned for Dog Days of Summer Festival
Kids accompanied by adults will be admitted free into the Dog Days of Summer Festival, set for 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21 in Milton. Kids’ activities include a video game truck, bouncy castle and face painting.
“We want to create a fun, family-friendly Saturday afternoon with wonderful experiences including activities, games, food, music, shopping, and maybe in the process you rescue a dog,” said Annette Babich, festival co-founder.
Anchors Aweigh Entertainment will bring all the latest game titles in its mobile video game party on wheels, with seven wide-screen high-def TVs and multiplayer gaming excitement. Up to 28 kids can game at the same time with stadium seating, and four more gamers can play on exterior TVs. Anchors Aweigh will also deliver the bouncy castle to entertain youngsters.
Milton’s own Catherine Flaherty from Copy Cat Paint Parties will jazz up the festival with face painting. With full-face and cheek art, glitter and gems, the kids will love indulging in face art.
CAPE GAZETTE - Dog Days of Summer Festival announces craft beer partners
CAPE GAZETTE | SEPTEMBER 2, 2019
Dog Days of Summer Festival announces craft beer partners
The Dog Days of Summer Festival will feature two local craft beers from Dogfish Head Brewery and Big Oyster Brewery.
“We are so excited to have Dogfish Head and Big Oyster on board. This feels like a mini craft beer festival inside the Dog Days of Summer Festival, and this is exciting,” said Mal Meehan, co-founder of the festival.
In its nearly 25-year history, Dogfish Head Brewery has grown from the country’s smallest operating brewpub to one of the largest.
“We are very fortunate to have plenty of fun events and festivals in coastal Delaware, and we are excited to welcome a new festival to the area just a hop away from our brewery in Milton. Dogfish Head is happy to see the Dogs Days of Summer Festival kicking off and raising funds for some great causes,” said Mark Carter, Beer & Benevolence director at Dogfish Head Brewery.
“We love Dogfish Head Brewery! We are Off-Centered Society members and enjoy being their neighbor, and are there every Friday for a few pints and some pizza,” said Annette Babich, festival co-founder.
Combining a wealth of beer knowledge with a passion for calculated creativity, Big Oyster Brewery has developed beer that can be enjoyed by craft beer drinkers of all types, and now they are bringing it to the Dog Days of Summer Festival.
“We love to get involved with local businesses, festivals and nonprofits as much as we can. Being a sort of beach brewery, we loved the idea of being involved with the Dog Days of Summer Festival,” said Mike Anderson, director of sales at Big Oyster Brewery. On a side note, Anderson also adopted his dog from Doggone Happy Animal Rescue, one of the festival’s benefactors, making this partnership extra sweet.
The Dog Days of Summer Festival is set for 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, on Sand Street in Milton. For more information, go to www.dogdaysofsummerfestival.com. Ticket purchase includes one beer compliments of Dogfish Head Brewery.
CAPE GAZETTE - Food trucks for Dog Days of Summer Festival announced
CAPE GAZETTE | AUGUST 5, 2019
Food trucks for Dog Days of Summer Festival Sept. 21 announced
Dog Days of Summer Festival guests can indulge in culinary adventures with an array of food vendors on site from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21 in Milton.
“This is a festival for people passionate about food, music and dog rescue. We want to deliver to our attendees an exciting, fun and wonderful experience,” said organizer Annette Babich.
Paul’s Kitchen & Cullen-ary Co. will be offering everything from Italian sausages and chicken parmesan sausages to spreads and cheeses, olive oil, ciabatta bread and pasta. These products will also be available for take-home purchase.
The Suburban Farmhouse Fresh Cart is an old horse trailer turned food truck. It serves artisan pizzas, lattes, coffee, smoothies, and amazing sandwiches, cookies and pastries from the Milton eatery locals have come to know and love.
Uncle John’s Smokehouse pit smokes authentic Southern-style barbecue, low and slow, to deliver tender, juicy foods. Offerings include brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, potato salad, mac and cheese, slaw, cornbread and more.
Zaikka brings the fresh, healthy, authentic flavors of Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. Patrons can enjoy chicken tikka masala rice bowls, falafel wraps, samosas, and naan among the many offerings.
WBOC 16 - Milton Festival Will Highlight A Cause For Dogs
WBOC 16 | JULY 31, 2019
By Matt Pencek
Milton Festival Will Highlight A Cause For Dogs
MILTON, Del – It was a dog adoption experience that helped create the new Dog Days Of Summer Festival in Milton. The fund raising event is scheduled for September 21 at the Inn The Doghouse bed and breakfast on Chestnut St.
Late last year, inn owners and festival coordinators Annette Babich and Mal Meehan moved from New York to the Sussex County town on the Broadkill River. One of the appeals of their new property was its space. They finally had the room to bring dogs into their household. The first two months of 2019 saw separate adoptions of two dachshunds, Belle and Taffy. Babich and Meehan brought the puppies to their home from the Harrington based Doggone Happy Animal Rescue.
The couple saw the challenges that Doggone’s founder Dawn Mitchell had in dealing with over 20 animals and a good number of bills associated with their care. “She is a one-woman operation and we just wanted to do what we can,” Babich explained.
The Dog Days of Summer Festival will feature a lineup of three musical acts including the JC Anderson Band who have toured with several notable country stars including Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, and Toby Keith.
Also featured will be a a variety of craft beers and food trucks. In addition to the Doggone Happy Animal Rescue, money from the festival will also benefit the Milton Community Food Pantry and the Milton Historical Society.
CAPE GAZETTE - Dog Days of Summer Festival announces lineup
CAPE GAZETTE | JULY 29, 2019
Dog Days of Summer Festival
announces Sept. 21 lineup
Organizers Annette Babich and Mal Meehan are happy to announce the music lineup for the Dog Days of Summer Festival to be held from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, at Inn The Doghouse at 428 Chestnut St., Milton.
Opening the festival will be hometown favorite Al Frantic Band. The dog-loving, classic rock trio features Al Frantic on vocals and guitar, Mike Fletcher on bass and vocals, and Steve Largent on drums. The band performs an eclectic mix of music along with a few tunes people don’t just hear every day.
Next up will be Pawnshop Roses. Band members Paul Keen, Kevin Bentley, Jason Jonik and Zil are veteran songwriters and multi-instrumentalists from Philadelphia. For over 17 years, the Roses have played their brand of American rock ‘n’ roll all over the country. Members are currently writing for their next record. The band’s song “All the Way Down” was recently featured on MTV. They have opened for Hoobastank and Molly Hatchet, and have been on the bill with Radiohead, Jack Johnson and others at the All Points West festival.
Closing the festival will be Nashville’s JC Andersen Band. With bandmates all hailing from different states, these musicians came together over the last decade to form this band of brothers now playing towns all across the nation. They have opened for such artists as Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Joe Nichols, Diamond Rio, Brad Paisley and Toby Keith. Most recently, JC Andersen been nominated for the Nashville Industry Music Awards for Best Country Solo Artist.
A nonprofit organization, the Dog Days of Summer Festival will benefit local organizations Doggone Happy Animal Rescue , Milton Community Food Pantry and Milton Historical Society.
For information on ticket sales, go to www.dogdaysofsummerfestival.com.
SUSSEX LIVING
SUSSEX LIVING | JULY 25, 2019
BY SHANNON MARVEL McNAUGHT
Milton festival to benefit rescue dogs, nonprofit groups
Dog Days of Summer set for September
The Dogs Days of Summer Festival is coming to Milton.
Saturday, Sept. 21 from 3 to 7 p.m., the nonprofit festival will take place at Chestnut Street and Sand Street, on the grounds of the Inn the Doghouse.
Organizers Annette Babich and Mal Meehan want to “celebrate our lovable dogs through food and music” and benefit Doggone Happy Animal Rescue, the Milton Community Food Pantry and the Milton Historical Society.
They recently moved to Milton from Brooklyn. Babich is a seasoned event planner. She taught “The Art of Wedding Planning and Special Events Management” at NYU, while Meehan is an award-winning multimedia designer. Together, they run the Inn the Doghouse guesthouse.
“We took a day trip to Lewes and the next thing we knew we were talking to a realtor,” Babich said. “I saw Union Street [in Milton] and that was it.”
Soon after arriving, Babich and Meehan adopted a dog – and then another – from Doggone Happy Animal Rescue, based in Harrington and run by Dawn Mitchell.
“This lady is a full-time nurse and runs this rescue all on her own,” Babich said. “We went to visit her and there were, like, 30 dogs at her house. We were blown away by her. We want to do our part.”
While the festival benefits dogs and dogs will be available at the festival for adoption, outside pets won’t be allowed.
Music acts, food and vendors are still being arranged, but Nashville’s JC Andersen has been confirmed.
For more, visit dogdaysofsummerfestival.com or its Facebook page.
CAPE GAZETTE - Dog Days of Summer Festival coming to Milton
CAPE GAZETTE | JULY 18, 2019
BY RYAN MAVITY
Dog Days of Summer Festival coming to Milton
September event will feature food trucks, music, pet adoptions
A new festival is coming to Milton in September that promises to be a doggone good time.
Dog Days of Summer Festival will celebrate man’s best friend with music, food and community activities at Inn The Doghouse at 428 Chestnut St.
The event was the brainchild of Inn The Doghouse owners Annette Babich and Mal Meehan, who recently adopted two dachshund mixes, Taffy and Belle, from Doggone Happy Animal Rescue in Harrington.
“Through the process, we have learned the importance of animal rescue and wanted to use the Dog Days of Summer Festival as a forum to raise awareness and celebrate our lovable dogs,” Babich said.
“It’s a festival for people interested in dogs,” Meehan added.
The festival will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, in the backyard of Inn The Doghouse. Tickets are $30 and are available through the festival website. Only 500 tickets are available.
Babich said there will be food trucks, breweries, wineries and vendors. They are still accepting applications for vendors for both human and dog products, as well as volunteers and sponsors, which can be submitted through the festival website.
Meehan said they are planning for 30-plus vendors. Babich said Doggone Happy Animal Rescue will have 10 to 20 dogs available for adoption.
“We are creating an event that is above and beyond, and will deliver to our attendees an exciting, fun and wonderful experience with music, food and artisan crafts/products. And hopefully you rescue a dog in the process,” Babich said.
In addition to Doggone Happy Animal Rescue, she said the event will also benefit Milton Community Food Pantry and Milton Historical Society. A dropoff for items for the food pantry will be in front of the house. Those attending the festival will not be allowed to go in the house, and the event will be rain or shine.
Musical artists for the festival are still being confirmed, but Babich said country artist JC Anderson, who has previously played the Dewey Beach Music Conference, will be one of the performers.
During the festival, Sand Street, which runs adjacent to the house, will be closed. Babich said people can park at Dogfish Head Brewery across the street; the brewery will be closed that day for a private event. While dogs will be up for adoption at the festival, Babich said dogs should not be brought to the festival.
Babich moved to Milton from Brooklyn, N.Y., and she wanted the experience to be similar to Smorgasburg, the open-air food market that originated in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
“We have met so many nice people here. We love this town and want to do our part to support local initiatives,” she said.
For more information on tickets or to be a vendor, volunteer or sponsor, go to www.dogdaysofsummerfestival.com. Those wishing to be vendors or sponsors can also contact Annette Babich at 302-470-9892 or at annette@dogdaysofsummerfestival.com.
NEW SPONSOR! i.g. Burton
i.g. Burton is proud to be one of the sponsors of The Dog Days of Summer Festival happening on September 21st in Milton.
This event exemplifies the spirit of our organization’s dedication to charitable causes in our local communities and all of Delmarva and we’re excited to share a great day of local talent, breweries, vendors, and more.
We encourage everyone to join us and help raise awareness for and support the efforts of the Doggone Happy Animal Rescue, Milton Community Food Pantry, and Milton Historical Society
“Too Care” To care about people. To hire and retain high performing employees. To provide them with ongoing training and professional development. To provide growth opportunities for all. To be leaders in our field and to be the “Best of the Best”.
NEW SPONSOR! The Parker Group
The local community is very important to us, being a small local business ourselves. We aim to support all members of our community, including the pets that bring so much joy into our families!
Our mission is to provide our clients with unmatched service through innovation, technology, responsiveness and, most importantly, integrity.
NEW SPONSOR! Nordheimer Law
A no brainer! Our favorite town, dogs (big fans), and support for truly worthy causes – we wouldn’t miss it.
At Nordheimer Law, LLC, we provide legal services to meet your needs in your estate planning, estate administration, trust, adult guardianship matters. We understand that your case requires sensitive handling and compassion during this difficult time. We will advocate powerfully on your behalf. We work to meet your needs while also preserving familial relationships to the greatest extent possible and keeping your costs low. The confidential services we provide always place the needs of our clients first.
NEW SPONSOR! Avery Hall Insurance
Giving back to the customers and communities we serve is what Avery Hall Insurance Group has been doing for decades. We believe in supporting our non-profit customers that include two of the 2019 Beneficiaries of the Dog Days of Summer Festival Milton!
Our mission is to provide our customers and the companies we represent with the highest standard of service, professionalism, and dedication.
NEW SPONSOR! The Carrie Lingo Team
We are getting involved in this festival because of our passion for animals and people in need and our love for the town of Milton.
We are focused on being actively involved in our community and fulfilling the real estate needs and dreams of everyone who is a part of it.
Our team members are: Carrie Lingo, Shawn McDonnell, Merritt Cooch, Jessica Shomper, Murray Padgett, Sam Broadhurst.
