Prescott, Arizona — In only its third year, Wine & Wags has become a circle-the-date event on Yavapai College’s Verde Valley Campus. A nod of thanks to Verde Valley Campus Coordinator Bobbi Evans, who looked at the event when it was a sweltering summer Open House, and said, “This needs dogs.” 

“The first year, we brainstormed ways to bring more prospective students to campus,” Evans said. “I mentioned how often I see people walking their dogs on our beautiful grounds. Dogs and wine are two things people in the Verde Valley seem to be pretty passionate about!” 

And now, Wine & Wags brings them together and wraps them around the Mabery Pavilion when the Verde Campus at its autumnal best. The move to a cooler day (Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), the expanded seating, live music from the Willow Shade Players, and Southwest Wine Center wines all set the stage for a pageant of adoptable dogs and the people who love them. 

“The Verde Valley Humane Society is also our neighbor, so inviting them to participate was a natural fit.” Evans said. “It gave them an opportunity to share their mission and introduce their adoptable dogs to the community. It truly warms my heart to see people connecting with these wonderful dogs who are looking for their forever homes.” 

Wine & Wags is now a bridge to the community, supporting the College’s Southwest Wine Center and the Humane Society and hosting local pet vendors from Olson’s Grain to pet groomers and pet photographers to the Bark and Bakery Pet Food Truck. 

“Dog lovers really are a community of their own. If you have a dog, you're practically family—and no one stays a stranger for long! The combination of pet families, good live music, and student-made wine creates the perfect cocktail for a fun, relaxed afternoon.” 

Wine & Wags runs Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Verde Valley Campus, 601 Black Hills Drive, in Clarkdale.

For more information, or to purchase a wristband, go online to www.yc.edu/winewags.

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu