One of the most popular events in the city of Wheeling is scheduled to return this weekend, and the event will take place at a new location.
The United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley will host Oktoberfest on Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. at Market Plaza. The fundraiser was canceled last year because of the pandemic precautions that were still in place at this time last year. Oktoberfest will feature theme food and drinks, as well as live entertainment, according to Jessica Rine, the executive director of the non-profit organization.
“We are very excited to be able to have this event this year because it’s always been very popular with the residents of the Upper Ohio Valley,” she said. “And we’re looking forward to the new location because Market Plaza has worked well for so many other events this summer. I know the Saints & Sinners had their Party on the Plaza in July, and the location worked really well because there is plenty of parking in that area.
“As long as all of the food trucks are able to show up, we should have a lot of great options for food, too. And, if those trucks don’t have what you’re looking for, there’s Mmm Popcorn on the Plaza, and Panda Chinese, Taqueria 304, and Tito’s Sloppy Dogs right across Market Street,” she said. “And there will be Oktoberfest-theme beers and domestic beers that will be available all day long.”
Live and Local
The United Way has added activities for children from Noon-3 p.m., and it will be free to attend the event.
Those attendees wishing to consume alcoholic beverages will need to show proper ID to purchase a $2 wristband. For $12, patrons can purchase a drink wristband, a commemorative Oktoberfest stein, and a free drink ticket.
“The proceeds from the wristband and for the mugs all go, toward the United Way,” Rine said. “We always distribute the funds we raise to the agencies we will work on a daily basis as a way to help support those great non-profit organizations. They help so many people in this area, and that’s why we love working with them all as much as possible.”
Several local performers are scheduled to entertain throughout the day, including Harley Davidson (Noon), Tammy Jo & Iron Horse (1:30 p.m.), Polka Holicks (3 p.m.), Punching Oswald (5:30 p.m.), Pocket Change (7:30 p.m.), and Jukebox (9:30 p.m.).
The food trucks set for Saturday are Mason Dixon BBQ, Chef’s Table, Holly Rollers, and De Adi Hibachi. Oktoberfest on the Plaza is sponsored by the Ohio County Commission and our annual sponsors, including WVU Medicine – Wheeling Hospital, AEP, Belmont Savings Bank, The Health Plan, Ziegenfelder, Williams Energy, Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal, and MPLX.
“The United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley always has been supported by our community, and this event is just another example of people helping people in this region,” Rine said. “The weather, so far, looks like it’s going to cooperate with cooler temperatures, and that’s perfect for an Oktoberfest event, and I know the nearby businesses are going to be open, too, so we’re hoping that the people who attend support us and those businesses.”
