Oktoberfest Resource Fair (and $1 beers) Returns this Saturday at BISCC

Kevin Dwyer | Posted on September 19, 2022 |

Using alcohol to lure potential supporters to an event of any kind is as old as the hills. Think Greeks and Romans. Indeed, attend almost any fundraiser on Bainbridge Island and you’re likely to see wine, beer and spirits freely flowing in an effort to get patrons to open up their wallets and purses and support the cause.

The Bainbridge Island Senior/Community Center (BISCC) is not above using that same tactic – albeit at a lesser volume – to attract attendees to this coming Saturday’s Oktoberfest Resource Fair.

Since pre-COVID days, BISCC – located across from Waterfront Park in Downtown Winslow – has hosted a terrific resource fair, featuring crucial non-profit and for-profit organizations. Last year’s fair “was a great success with conscientious efforts to be COVID-safe and lively,” recalls Jeannette Franks, one of the event’s organizers.

When the BISCC’s Resource Committee was planning this year’s Oktoberfest, Center Director Reed Price was asked, “How can we make this more fun?” He immediately responded, “free beer!” Franks recalls. As it turns out, however, the Washington State Liquor Control Board does not allow free beer at public events, so BISCC is doing the next best thing and charging $1 for a beer, which is being donated by Bainbridge Brewing.

Nearly 30 organizations and businesses – from the BARN to Zero Waste Bainbridge – will have staffed information tables from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, September 24. Many tables will be outside on the back patio, including the beer and tasty treats donated by Town & Country Market.

Typical participants include Helpline House, which will have trained Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) on hand; Kitsap Transit, aiming to help with your ORCA cards and other transportation needs; AARP Tax Aide representatives; Island Volunteer Caregivers; and the Long-term Care Ombudsman from Kitsap Aging and Long-term Care. The overall event is sponsored by Puget Sound Energy.