The PAWS and Pints Fun Ride, Aug. 5, helps support programs at PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap: low-cost spay/neuter and veterinary financial assistance, a lost and found pet registry, pet adoption, Senior Veterinary Assistance, a pet food bank, Animal Assisted Activities and Feral Cat Assistance.

PAWS and Pints Fun Ride is co-sponsored by Classic Cycle and the Treehouse Cafe. The event includes two optional 5-mile bike rides around the Lynwood Center neighborhoods and a festive after-ride gathering featuring live music, refreshments and a display of the annual PAWS Picture Your Pet photo contest entries.

Everyone pre-registered for the ride before July 31 will receive a complimentary gift bag and will be entered in the raffles (prizes include a Raleigh Cruiser and a Trek children’s bike). Non-riders can participate in games and vote for the Picture Your Pet People’s Choice award, as well as enjoy soft drinks, beer provided by Stone Brewery, and complimentary acoustic music by members of the popular Seattle-based folk rock band The Maldives. Rider check-in begins at 10 a.m. and the bike course and all other activities run from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Music begins at 12:30 p.m.

Treehouse Cafe owner Arnie Sturham initiated the event last year, along with Classic Cycle co-owner Paul Johnson, to support animal welfare while also creating a fun and family-oriented community gathering. Johnson said that more competitive bike events in the area aren’t always “family friendly,” and he encourages everyone to “leave the Spandex at home.”

Sturham said he’s an animal lover and is glad that local businesses and the community can come together to support family pets.

“We appreciate the many years of kindhearted service that PAWS has contributed to our community, making our lives and our pets’ lives richer.”

Johnson joked, “We at Classic Cycle really feel for all the cats and dogs out there that are not only homeless, but who also don’t know how to ride a bicycle. The PAWS and Pints Fun Ride is our chance to lessen their burden a bit.”

Although he said it in jest, last year’s event included several families giving small dogs a ride in bike baskets and some larger dogs jogging alongside on tethered leads.

“We have a blast with this event,” PAWS Executive Director Mark Hufford said. “Of course, it’s a boost financially for our community pet support programs, but we also really appreciate the camaraderie of local businesses and pet lovers coming together in such a positive way.”

Pre-registration for the event is $20 for adults and $12 for children 12 and younger until July 31. Pre-registration is required to guarantee your gift bag and raffle tickets. Register online through the Treehouse Cafe website: treehousebainbridge.com/event/paws-and-pints-fun-ride.

For information on entering the PAWS Picture Your Pet photo contest, visit the PAWS website: www.northkitsappaws.org/events/pyp12.html