×

Oktoberfest, Entrepreneurial Pitch returning

OKTOBERFEST PLANNED — Among many working behind the scenes to plan the second Oktoberfest to be held by the Brooke County Rotary Club and Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce are, from left, Rotarian Dr. John Basil, Chamber President David Klick, Rotary President Charles Bell and chamber member Paul “Bud” Billiard. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — Fall will be a busy time for the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce, as members are preparing for two events.

After receiving positive response to the Oktoberfest they held last year, the chamber, Brooke County Rotary Club and Brooke Hills Park are teaming up to hold the event again.

This year’s event will be held from noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at the park’s Cardinal Shelter. It will include assorted German and other food, beer and other beverages for purchase, arts and crafts for sale and music by Ken and Mary, Turbo Accordions Express, of Pittsburgh.

Organizers said families are welcome to the event, which will feature an expanded menu, including desserts, and, beginning at 1 p.m., a cornhole tournament and other games.

There will be a silent auction with a variety of items donated by area businesses up for bid and a 50-50 drawing.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the event and can be purchased by calling (304) 479-2115 or (304) 280-5228.

The admission includes a keepsake 22-ounce plastic stein. Alcohol will be served only to those 21 and older.

Chamber President David Klick said proceeds will go to community projects supported by the chamber and Rotary Club, including scholarships awarded by each to a Brooke High School graduate.

Brooke County Rotary President Charles Bell noted the club tries to aid at least three families in need each Christmas.

The chamber also is collaborating with the Brooke County Economic Development Authority to hold the Brooke and Hancock County Entrepreneurial Pitch from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 4 at the park.

In its third year, the event has been called a kinder, gentler version of television’s “Shark Tank,” with area residents pitching their ideas for a new business in hopes of winning a cash prize to pursue their endeavor.

Attendees will join a panel of judges in determining the winning business concepts.

All interested in competing will be able to receive coaching from Carrie White, a business development specialist with the West Virginia University Launch Lab.

For an application and information, call (304) 670-9015, or e-mail wellsburgchamber@gmail.com.

To date, the chamber and economic development authority have generated $6,000 in prize money for the contest, but they welcome additional contributions.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today