Posted in News on October 9, 2017 United Way, City of Wheeling Inaugural Oktoberfest Success

The City of Wheeling partnered with the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley to host Oktoberfest at Centre Market on Saturday, September 30.  The event was a large success due to the nearly 2000 people that filled the streets.

The festival featured themed food, drinks, and live entertainment (The Cherry Trio, MSM, The Tim Ullom Band, Tady Bears (Polka Band), Billy the Kid & the Regulators and The Joseph Sisters.) Attendees purchased commemorative Oktoberfest steins that quickly sold out.

United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley helped to plan the event and also provided nearly 70 volunteers to work the festival.  The check from the City of Wheeling in the amount of $10,777 was given to the United Way via to the proceeds from the pop/water, wristbands, steins and tips.  With sponsorship and vendor space donations, Oktoberfest raised over $14,500 for the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley that will go towards the 2017-2018 campaign.

Oktoberfest in Centre Market raised over $35,000.  Additionally, many businesses in the Centre Market district had record sales.  “The United Way and the City of Wheeling had a great day.  But I’m equally as proud that packing the streets also benefit the small businesses,” said Jessica Rine, associate director of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley.  “It was a day full of great people, in a great place, supporting great organizations and businesses.”

The United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of everyone in the upper Ohio Valley.  Funds raised help support programs within area agencies that focus on those three pillars.

Oktoberfest at Centre Market was sponsored by the City of Wheeling, Wheeling Heritage, Bordas & Bordas, Main Street Bank, and Ohio Valley Medical Center.

Pictured: Vice Mayor Chad Thalman, United Way Director George Smoulder, Mayor Glenn Elliot, United Way Associate Director Jessica Rine, Centre Market Manager Kurt Zende and councilman Dave Palmer.