Placerville (Sept 6, 2024) – Main Street is known for its community spirit, and local businesses are stepping up once again. After learning that Oktoberfest was canceled, downtown Placerville merchants are determined to keep the festivities alive.
Jennifer Teie, owner of The Green Room Social Club, expressed her dismay upon hearing the news through the grapevine a few weeks ago. “The other thought was, ‘Uh-oh, this is not going to be good because it was a huge money-making day for us and other restaurants and bars specifically,'” Teie said, emphasizing the importance of the event for local businesses.
According to a statement by the event’s producer, the decision to cancel was driven by more than just city fees. “Lack of sponsorship interest, the rising cost of infrastructure, and insurance added to the decision,” read a comment on Facebook.
But the cancellation didn’t sit well with local business owners. Teie and a few others immediately began brainstorming a solution, aware that Oktoberfest is one of their busiest days of the year. “There’s a very small handful of us that are looking to put together an event that is similar to Oktoberfest that does not close down the street, that will benefit the community and bring everyone together,” she said, noting that avoiding street closures could reduce costs and make the event more feasible.
Tod Pickett, owner of the Mancave Placerville, highlighted the economic strain felt by many downtown businesses. “Obviously with the economy, the way it is now, people are keeping their money and spending more on food, so there’s a little less when it comes to shopping downtown,” he said, underscoring the financial impact that losing such events can have on local retailers.
Teie and her team are working on securing permits to use nearby parking lots for additional vendors and food trucks, aiming to replicate the Oktoberfest atmosphere without the full-scale street closure. With a potential 400% income boost for one day, losing Oktoberfest is a hit they can’t afford. “We count on it,” Teie stressed.
The group is awaiting city approval for their modified celebration, but they’re hopeful. For now, Oktoberfest is tentatively set for September 21, from 3-8 p.m., ready to keep the spirit of community and tradition alive in the heart of Placerville.
