Appleton Octoberfest
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Another big event in Appleton this weekend. Video by nbc26.com
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APPLETON, WI -- Another big event in Appleton this weekend. The 31st annual Octoberfest will be taking place. All the fun kicks off Friday night with “License to Cruise.”
The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce is estimating anywhere from 80,000 to 100,000 people to attend this weekend.
Friday’s “License to Cruise” is a no-alcohol event, but the rest of the weekend attendees can drink within the limits.
“We're just out here to make sure it's a safe family event,” said Sgt. Pat DeWall with the Appleton Police Dept.
Extra patrols will be out, and police say if you're drinking, keep it safe.
“If it looks like somebody's had too much to drink and they're incapacitated, we'll go and see if we can help them,” said Sgt. DeWall.
“All of our volunteers, from our bar managers to our bartenders, to our block captains receive special training how to handle issues on the avenue,” said Susan Vanden Heuvel, Executive Director.
Vanden Heuvel said less than 20% of attendees consume alcohol. Everyone must show an ID to get a wrist band; you can only buy two drinks at a time, and open containers must stay on College Ave.
She added, this weekend is really about the non-profits that benefit from booth sales.
And other businesses are also cashing in on the weekend.
“Couple of extra servers, extra cooks, taking that route for sure,” said Ben Stadler, Manager of McG’s Bar.
He said it’s their first Octoberfest. They're hoping to attract new business, while following rules.
“I think it's important we're all hitting 21 and we're making it safe and having fun doing it too,” said Stadler.
College Avenue will remain closed from Lawe St. to Memorial Dr. until Saturday around 9:00 p.m.
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