Festival starts big
Holy Name Oktoberfest to showcase South Side talent in Beech Grove
By Nicole Davis
Holy Name Catholic Church members have worked the last 14 months to make their first annual Oktoberfest a big event on Oct. 12-13, 5 p.m. – midnight, showcasing South Side music, culinary and even organizing talents.
“The Father said to go big or go home,” said Karyl Davis, director of development for Holy Name. “We decided to go big. The Father’s requirement was great food, great beer and great music.”
Davis said that Pastor William Williams, in his second year at the parish, wanted to organize an event out of the norm for fall and Catholic festivals. The Oktoberfest will feature food from Fireside Brewhouse, which has created an original German menu especially for the Friday, Oct. 12, 5:30 – 7 p.m. There will be live music from three bands each night, including the Flying Toasters on Oct. 12 and Third Generation on Oct. 13. Third Generation is comprised of band members who are alumni of Holy Name Catholic School.
“This is designed to be a parish and community event that represents the growth in Beech Grove and Holy Name that highlights the South Side,” said Eric Gaither, volunteer. “There’s a lot of hometown talent here. We’re showcasing a lot of talents.”
A family-friendly event, a kids’ zone will feature bounce houses, rock climbing, face painting and more. There will be a root beer contest sponsored by Edwards Root Beer, a raffle and a Monte Carlo Night both days from 8 -11 p.m.
“I’m looking forward to unfamiliar faces to show off Beech Grove to the other sides of town,” Eric Gaither said. “To show how the town of Beech Grove has grown in the last four to five years.”
Toni Gaither, volunteer, said that they have received a lot of community support, including advice from St. Jude and other parishes on how to put on a successful event and what to avoid. More than 200 volunteers will work the Oktoberfest at Holy Name, 89 N. 17th Ave., Beech Grove. St Francis, a sponsor, has offered free parking on their recently closed Beech Grove facility.
“Everything has been fantastic,” said Toni Gaither, volunteer. “Every person we’ve reached out to has been open arms. I think the South Side needs more community based events. Fountain Square has started to come about. Beech Grove needs to be heard.”
For more information and listing of more events, visit holyname.cc/Oktoberfest.
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