By Steve Keenan
MONTGOMERY — Planning for the first Oktoberfest — set for Bridge Day next Saturday — is entering its final stages.
“The planning for Oktoberfest has gone beautifully,” says Diana Wilson, executive director of the sponsoring Upper Kanawha Valley Economic Development Corp. “People are very excited about having this event in the Upper Kanawha Valley.
“We have some great sponsors and they are very much appreciated. We hope to bring many people into the community to share with them that the Upper Kanawha Valley is still alive and well.”
The event will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Montgomery. Craft and food vendors are welcome to participate. There will be a chili cook-off, a car show, a variety of children’s activities, food vendors, artisans and craft vendors, and an eclectic offering of live music, wrapping up with a performance by The Esquires at 8 p.m.
According to Wilson, boaters also are invited to take part, docking at the WVU Tech marina where a WVU Tech van will bring boaters into the city for the activities.
Following is the music schedule for the day: 10 to 11 a.m. — Beni Kedem Highlanders (bagpipes); noon to 2 p.m. — the ZZ German Brass Band (German/polka); 2 to 3 p.m. — Jake Krack and the Whoopin Hollar Old Tyme Band; 4 to 6 p.m. — Comparsa (Latino); 6 to 7:15 p.m. — Hydrogen (rock); and 8 to 10:30 p.m. — The Esquires (1960s, ’70s and beyond).
As part of Oktoberfest, a sweets contest featuring cakes, pies, cookies and other sweet treats will be 10 a.m. to noon on Third Avenue. Enter your favorite cake, pie, dessert and/or cookies for People’s Choice awards. There is no entry fee, but participants are urged to bring at least three of each entry.
There will be an auction at noon; the proceeds go to the participant.
Those in attendance may pay $5 for 10 tastes and votes. To register, call Pauline Price at 304-442-5756, or e-mail ukv chamber@yahoo.com. Participants must be pre-registered.
In addition to creating an entertainment outlet for the day, Wilson hopes the event has broader implications.
“Possibly, we might get some interest from companies that would consider coming to the area and opening a business,” she said. “There are many properties and opportunities available in the UKV.”
E-mail ukvedc@wvdsl.net or call 304-981-6400 for more information.
