Two local business owners are organizing a new block party celebration this fall in Eureka’s Old Town.
Red Door Liquor & Cigars owner Karen Bopp and Sarah’s on Central owner Jill Umbarger are organizing the Oktoberfest in Old Town. The event is scheduled to be held from 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, and will feature food, drinks, shopping and live entertainment.
Bopp and Umbarger have partnered with the city to close a portion of South Central Avenue to vehicle traffic for the event, similar to the city’s Concert on Central held in June.
“Following the success of the June Concert on Central, we recognized that the community appreciates local events,” Bopp said. “Old Town Oktoberfest will highlight not only what Eureka has to offer but also the neighboring community of Pacific. Our goal is to attract a broader audience to boost traffic to our distinctive small towns, helping to support local businesses.”
The street will be closed from West Frisco Avenue to Thresher Drive, Bopp said.
Nearly 2,000 people came to Central Avenue for the June concert, with the city setting up a stage for live music and organizing activities for children. The businesses along Central Avenue were encouraged to set up booths with some selling food, drinks and commemorative items such as T-shirts or hats.
City Clerk Julie Wood said the city is offering some support for the Oktoberfest event to ensure public safety.
“We are providing staff support through our Police and Parks Department,” she said. “Closing the street, issuing permits and providing staff for the event to help with set up, safety and trash pickup.”
Bopp and Umbarger said in a joint statement that the Oktoberfest event also aims to expand on the “brewfests” they have organized in the past, which focused on the beer selections of local brewers.
Bopp said local brewers will provide free samples for those attending Oktoberfest and local retail and food vendors will set up along the street. She said several local musicians will perform and games and activities “for all ages” will be set up.
Umbarger said local restaurants will compete in a friendly chili cook-off during the event, with a panel of judges deciding the winner through a blind tasting.
For more information, call Red Door Liquor & Cigars at 636-777-2669 or visit the store at 115 South Central Ave., or call Sarah’s on Central at 636-938-4800 or visit the restaurant at 127 South Central Ave.