TWIN FALLS — Now that fall has begun, the city of Twin Falls is looking to get into the spirit and will be having its Oktoberfest celebrations this weekend.
Set on Main Avenue downtown, the event will have nearly 40 vendors selling food and merchandise. There will also be live music and plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy. "We're going to have games on both stages, brought toss, cornhole, stein hoisting for the adults. We have a petting zoo coming on Saturday as well as a photo booth coming in for the kids," said Johnathan Segali, the director of this weekend's Oktoberfest event.
Of course, a significant aspect of Oktoberfest is drinking beer. The majority of the bars and other restaurants on Main Avenue will have a wide selection of beers for customers. O'Dunken's Draught House will offer their usual choices and some other unique ones to get into the spirit.
Owner of O'Dunken's, Jennifer Colvin, said, "We're serving a lot of different beers inside and outside. Inside we're serving Sam Adams Oktoberfest and Night Owl from Elysian Brewing, and then outside, we have our Odell Brewing with Oktoberfest."
The organizers hope this will bring some joy to the community and give residents a chance to get outside, enjoy the weather, and spend time with friends or family. While it's all in good fun, organizers have had to take numerous safety protocols to keep people safe during this pandemic.
Segali said, "We didn't set vendors as aggressively on top of each other, so keeping a little more social distance. We also have at our booths PPE equipment if someone feels like they need to grab a mask. We have a health and sanitizer sponsor, Wellness Hand Sanitizer, so we've got tons of hand sanitizer out."
Event organizers are attempting to do everything they can to keep people safe. Yet, there is a shared responsibility of those in attendance to follow precautions like distancing, wearing masks when possible, and washing hands.
Last year the event drew thousands to welcome the fall. This year, it will be an excellent opportunity to show community support and help businesses that might be struggling.
Colvin said, "There's so many ways to be out here and still be COVID-minded and make sure that you're being safe along with the rest of the community. But be able to support all of us locals that are having a hard time during this COVID pandemic, so please come out and support."
Celebrations will wrap up at 9:00 pm this evening and then continue tomorrow, starting at 11:00 am and ending at 9:00 pm.
