Kent, Ohio – In partnership with Platform Beer Co., the annual Main Street Kent Oktoberfest is set for Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 12pm to 10pm. The event will take place on Franklin Ave., from Erie St. to Main St., including W. Main St. from Water St. to the railroad tracks, plus the Hometown Bank Plaza. Local eateries will be set up on the street, selling specially-prepared German fare and other local treats. Vendors will include Erie Street Kitchen, Ray’s Place, Taproot Catering, Popped!, Pierogi Lady, Daisy Pops and Dom’s Wood Fired Pies. Three beer trucks, featuring Platform and a variety of other seasonal beverages, will be set up on W. Main St. and Franklin Ave. Attendees can purchase commemorative plastic beer pitchers, or simply purchase cups of beer during the event. Guests are asked to bring proper identification. No pets are permitted per city ordinance; service animals are welcome.
Sponsors for this year’s event include: Platform Beer Co., The Portager, Hometown Bank, Portage Community Bank, Klaben Auto Stores and AMETEK; their support of Main Street Kent makes this event possible and the entertainment fantastic! The schedule for the day is as follows: Mike Wojtila Trio will perform polka from 12:00pm – 3:00pm; the German Family Society Youth Group dancers will showcase a variety of dances at 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm, inviting audience participation during the final performance; then three local bands will take the stage, beginning with Memphis Cradle at 3:30pm, City of Invention at 5:30pm and That 80’s Band at 8:00pm — a fun, festive variety of music!
In support of this fundraising event and Main Street Kent’s commitment to comply with the special event liquor permit, local bars and restaurants that normally serve DORA beverages will refrain from selling them on the day of the event. (DORA is a “Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area” where alcoholic beverages can be purchased and taken outside for consumption in a specific area. More info is available at https://www.mainstreetkent.org/dora/.) “We’re thrilled our businesses are supporting us by refraining from DORA sales that day. This a critical fundraiser for MSK, and a hugely popular community event. Their willingness to give us the day means the world to us,” shared Heather Malarcik, executive director.
Main Street Kent is currently seeking volunteers for the event, from set up in the morning to clean up after the event and everything in between. It’s a fun way to meet people and get involved in the community, and if you sign up by Sept. 9, you get a Kent Oktoberfest volunteer t-shirt! Volunteer opportunities and sign up info is available at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a44aaab2fa2fa7-main
Proceeds from the event will benefit Main Street Kent, the non-profit organization dedicated to making downtown Kent a fun, vibrant and thriving place. Visit https://www.mainstreetkent.org/events/oktoberfest/ for more information.
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