Project:  The BHPA could plan and coordinate a community Oktoberfest as a fundraiser (and possible as a Campaign Launch event) for the Depot in the Park project.  The event could be planned in such a way that would distinguish it from other events in the community with new and creative approaches to event planning and make it a sought-after event in coming years.

Suggested Venue:  Upstairs of the Blair Fire Hall and the second venue would be the street in front of the hall. Architectural, the venue lends itself nicely to the "beer hall" style event. It has also served as a venue for events such as this in the past.  The fire hall is a historic landmark.  The venue has previously been used for an event much like this for "Hofbrauhaus" -- the 2004 Dana College All Alumni Reunion.

Suggested Format:  The upstairs venue would be set with six long rows of tables and chairs (benches would be preferred over chairs) holding about 275 (296 max) people.  A polka band would play music on the stage. There would be no room provided for dancing. The tables would be decorated in rented plain white linens and with nothing else but BHPA propaganda and reservation cards. The bar area would be setup in the coat check area at the entrance of the venue. Beverages served would be one American style beer and one premium German beer, one popular red wine and one popular white wine, soda pop and water. One casher at the bar would take care of the transaction. Either glass mugs could be rented or commemorative mugs could be made and purchased. All guests would be issued a BLUE wrist band after IDs are checked.  The food buffet area would be setup on the east addition next to the kitchen.  Guests would purchase advanced tickets at $40-50 each -- plus purchase wine and beer at the event.  Reservations for group seating can be arranged -- however, it will still be with others at one long table.  The ticket would entitle guests to the buffet meal, a place at a table and come-and-go entrance into the upstairs venue all night. The menu would be limited to a selection of German style salads, roasted chicken quarters, two varieties of sausages, sauerkraut, and hot potato salad.  Dessert would not be served. One key element to this format is keep things limited but well done. i.e. limited beer selection, limited setting, limited menu selection, etc. An estimated 38-40 volunteers would be needed to conduct the event.  (8 cooks on two teams, 4 kitchen helpers, 4 setup people,  8 bar mates, 2 cashiers, 2 ID checkers, 2 trash & busing helpers, 6 tear down & clean up, 1 coordinator, 1 floor manager.)  More help needed for ticket sales and marketing.

The street venue would consist of a fenced off area (much like what is done at Gateway to the West.) A wider selection of wine and American style beers would be available from the bar area, along with grilled sausages, sauerkraut, pretzels and hot potato salad.   Music from the upstairs band would be broadcasted to the street. Picnic style tables would be setup and an area reserved for street dancing.   All guest would be issued a WHITE wrist band after IDs are checked.  (BLUE wrist bands would be allowed in both the upstairs and downstairs venues, WHITE wrist bands are for downstairs only.)

Other ideas:

• Police would be hired for security.
• A partnership with the Fire Department could be developed.  The department might get proceeds for the street venue and BHPA for the upstairs venue.  The department might allow free rental on the hall.
• A partnership with the Chamber might help in ticket sales and group reservations.
• A partnership with a local service organization might run a shuttle service to and from event.
• A partnership with a local service organization might help with other volunteer help.
• The event might pursue corporate sponsors.

Background: Oktoberfest, with its drinking and feasting is the anniversary of the marriage of King Ludwig I and his bride, Theresa, on October 17, 1810.  The event traditional takes place during the 16 days up to and including the first Sunday in October (Oct. 6, 2007).  Traditionally the festival opens during the middle of September as the burgomaster taps the first keg of new beer. It is then served by buxom Fräuleins and drunk from enormous one-liter tankards called Maß.  Thousands feast on tasty sausages, plump chickens and whole oxen, spit-roasted over open fires.

Points:  The BHPA core group has people that have the experience in event planning and food preparation to manage this kind of event.  The local Chamber has discussed organizing an event like this for several years, but never has produced the event.

Suggested Event Dates: Saturday, September 22, 2007 or Saturday, September 15, 2007
(Home games of Nebraska Football:  Sep 15, Sep 22, Sep 29, Oct 13, & Oct 20. Away games:  Sep 8 & Oct 6.)

Major Tasks:  Obtain liquor license. Secure venue.  Published date early. Notify Chamber. Organize system for ticket sales. Make arrangements for food preparation. Book a band. Secure partnerships with other groups.  Secure a liquor vendor.

Time Line:  Now through September 2007

Possible Income: $6500 (275 guests, $40 per guest -- $11,000 -- minus $3000 for food and decor cost ($12 each),  $1000 band, $500 marketing.  More could be made if street level income were added.