Courtesy photo by G.L. Callahan, Fountain Hobby Center <br>Volunteers prepare bratwurst and hotdogs for the 2008 OktoberWest. The 2009 event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

If you like brats and sauerkraut, polka music and, above all, beer, make plans for OktoberWest -- West Side Main Street's version of the traditional Bavarian beer fest.

By Jim Balow

Staff writer

Courtesy photo by G.L. Callahan, Fountain Hobby Center <br>A German oompah-style polka band from Parkersburg will play at the West Side beer garden on Saturday.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- If you like brats and sauerkraut, polka music and, above all, beer, make plans for OktoberWest -- West Side Main Street's version of the traditional Bavarian beer blowout.

Kids are welcome at the main event, which runs from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 3 along Bigley Avenue between Washington Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. But for the second year of the festival's short history, organizers have added OktoberWest Kids -- a series of free events aimed specifically at children.

"From 11 to 3 there will be events all up and down Washington Street, starting with the Teddy Bear Fair at CAMC Women and Children's Hospital," said Libby Ballard, a volunteer with West Side Main Street.

A KRT trolley will shuttle kids and parents among the various Washington Street locations, Ballard said.

"The next stop would be the grassy lawn beside Fountain Hobby Center. There will be pumpkin painting, a bounce house and other activities."

In addition, area merchants will hold sidewalk sales, she said.

"The third stop for kids is Stonewall Jackson Middle School. Kanawha County Public Library will do crafts where kids can make something they can take home. And we'll also do a cornhole tournament for kids, with prizes.

"The last stop is Emmanuel Baptist Church, at the corner of Washington and Florida, which will host a 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Teams can register in advance or you can sign up that day and be put on a team."

Starting at 4, the area around Kelley's Mens Shop will be turned into a traditional German beer garden, Ballard said. Corporate sponsors have reserved tables ($500 for 16 tickets) or entire tents ($1,000 for 30 tickets), as a treat for employees and or clients, she said.

Individuals are also welcome ($25 in advance, $30 at the gate), although ticket sales will likely be cut off to make sure everyone gets enough food.

"We'll probably allow for about 50 at the gate. We're planning on about 900 people."

Once you enter the gate, and put on an age-appropriate wristband, you get all the food and beverages you want.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- If you like brats and sauerkraut, polka music and, above all, beer, make plans for OktoberWest -- West Side Main Street's version of the traditional Bavarian beer blowout.

Kids are welcome at the main event, which runs from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 3 along Bigley Avenue between Washington Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. But for the second year of the festival's short history, organizers have added OktoberWest Kids -- a series of free events aimed specifically at children.

"From 11 to 3 there will be events all up and down Washington Street, starting with the Teddy Bear Fair at CAMC Women and Children's Hospital," said Libby Ballard, a volunteer with West Side Main Street.

A KRT trolley will shuttle kids and parents among the various Washington Street locations, Ballard said.

"The next stop would be the grassy lawn beside Fountain Hobby Center. There will be pumpkin painting, a bounce house and other activities."

In addition, area merchants will hold sidewalk sales, she said.

"The third stop for kids is Stonewall Jackson Middle School. Kanawha County Public Library will do crafts where kids can make something they can take home. And we'll also do a cornhole tournament for kids, with prizes.

"The last stop is Emmanuel Baptist Church, at the corner of Washington and Florida, which will host a 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Teams can register in advance or you can sign up that day and be put on a team."

Starting at 4, the area around Kelley's Mens Shop will be turned into a traditional German beer garden, Ballard said. Corporate sponsors have reserved tables ($500 for 16 tickets) or entire tents ($1,000 for 30 tickets), as a treat for employees and or clients, she said.

Individuals are also welcome ($25 in advance, $30 at the gate), although ticket sales will likely be cut off to make sure everyone gets enough food.

"We'll probably allow for about 50 at the gate. We're planning on about 900 people."

Once you enter the gate, and put on an age-appropriate wristband, you get all the food and beverages you want.

"We're planning about 1,200 bratwurst and 600 hotdogs," said Julia Moran, president of the Main Street board. "The Grill is closing their restaurant that day to cater the food -- homemade chili for the hotdogs, sauerkraut for the bratwurst, homemade potato salad and homemade macaroni salad.

"We're having Pepsi products and Capitol Beverage is supplying the beer. They'll have Sam Adams OctoberFest and a selection of other beers -- regular Sam Adams and Miller Lite for those that don't like the heavier beers."

Those hoping to sample some of the higher-test beers now available in West Virginia, like Sam Adams' Imperial brews, are out of luck, Moran said.

It's a family event, after all.

But if someone overindulges, C&H Taxi will offer a free ride home.

"It wasn't needed last year," she said. "But it's available, just in case."

Besides food and drink, you can dance to the German-style oompah band, or try your hand at cornhole or barrel rolling.

And for dessert, The Wooden Spoon is providing some its gourmet ice creams, including oatmeal stout, which has swirls of caramel made with beer.

OktoberWest is the largest -- actually the only -- fundraiser for West Side Main Street. The group hopes to net $20,000 this year, Ballard said. "Last year we made about $15,000, minus some expenses.

"We found this year, since people had such a positive experience last year, it was much easier to approach sponsors."

For information or tickets, call West Side Main Street at 304-720-3161.

Reach Jim Balow at http://wvgazette.com/News/contact/onybj+jitnmrggr+pbz+return=/News/200909270578 or 304-348-5102.