‘Another disappointment thanks to Covid’: downtown Bend Oktoberfest canceled for second year

(Update: Adding info, comment from news release)

Owners and managers of sponsoring breweries are disappointed yet understanding

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Less than two weeks after announcing a revamped, week-long downtown Bend Oktoberfest for late September, the surging rate of COVID-19 delta variant cases and resulting state restrictions have prompted the Downtown Bend Business Association to cancel this year's event, a major fundraiser for the organization.

"It's more proof that Covid -- the pandemic is not over," Tim Casinelli, general manager of Deschutes Brewery told NewsChannel 21 on Wednesday.

"It's such a staple in this town, such a great community event. All the breweries come together." said Packy Deenihan, owner of Bend Brewing Co.

The Downtown Bend Business Association released a statement saying there will be a reduction in funding for the beautification programs downtown, including flower baskets and holiday decorations.

But they said the health and safety of the community is the most important thing.

“Our No. 1 concern is for our community.” said Mindy Aisling, executive director for the DBBA, “We must do everything
that we can do assure that our Bend businesses stay open without restrictions, and that our hospital retains the capacity to continue to treat our neighbors & friends who might fall ill.”

Owners and managers of local breweries agree.

"I think they're doing the right thing because why make a gathering for many, many people when we do have such a big outbreak going on right now." Casinelli said.

"It's obviously disappointing that it was canceled this year. It's a great opportunity to get people out and about especially after a long hot summer it starts to cool down," said James Watts, owner of Silver Moon Brewing. "It's generally a great evening to be out and enjoy some great events and some great beer -- so needless to say it's yet another disappointment, thanks to Covid and some of the complications that come with it."

"Obviously there's some disappointment but there's some logic behind the decision." Deenihan said. "Obviously everybody wants to party and enjoy Oktoberfest, but you know, with some aspects that are out of the control of downtown Bend, its not going to happen."

While Oktoberfest has been called off for the second year in a row, the breweries say the biggest change is now they won't have to make as much beer.

Watts said, "Bend can put back a lot of beer in Oktoberfest."

Here's the DBBA announcement on the Bend Oktoberfest site::

Greetings,

​After careful consideration, the Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) staff and board have decided to cancel Bend Oktoberfest, scheduled for Sept 2021.  

This decision was an extremely difficult one to make.

Bend Oktoberfest is the largest fundraiser for Downtown Bend, and not being able to hold this event will result in a reduction in beautification programs for Downtown Bend, including flower baskets and holiday decorations in the 2021/2022 fiscal year. 

However, the most important thing to consider is the health and safety of our community, our hospital staff, and our children who will soon be returning to their classrooms.  If you want to contribute to the health and safety of our community, please do your part by getting vaccinated.  The vaccine is free, no insurance is needed, and you can click here to schedule. 

If you're passionate about the vitality of Downtown Bend and would like to donate to our non-profit, please click here. 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.  We look forward to co-creating with you in the future to increase the vitality of our community. 

Stay healthy and stay kind, we'll all get through this.