The New Territory Arts Association
210 Water Street | 269.926.1926 | info@newterritoryarts.org
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To create a vital Benton Harbor Arts District through community outreach and advocacy of the arts.
Artoberfest!
Sponsors
Artists
Vendors
Volunteers
Live Music
Benton Harbor, MI
Saturday, Sep 29th 10 am - 10 pm Free to the Public
Artoberfest 2007, a day long event scheduled for September 29, joins together the previously established New Territory Arts Association's Fall Festival of the Arts with an Oktoberfest style street festival.
Artist's Booths from 10 am - 5 pm
Food and Beverage from Noon - 9 pm
Live Music from 1 pm to 10 pm
Oktoberfest Tent from 1 pm to 10 pm
There are no fees to enter the festival grounds, walk through the booths or listen to live entertainment.
Advance tickets for the Oktoberfest Tent can be purchased at The Livery for $35.00, which includes choice seating near the stage, Beer/Wine and Snacks, and a commemorative beer stein!
Event Overview
Art, Fine Craft, Live Entertainment, and Tasty Local Fare in the Benton Harbor Arts District
General Information
Artoberfest 2007 is slated for Saturday, September 29, from 10am-10pm. The grounds are located in the triangle of space of the Benton Harbor Arts District, framed by Water, Territorial and 5th Streets. Within this area visitors are invited to appreciate and/or buy works from many talented artists, purchase a bite and beverage from local area establishments and booths, and lounge around the grassy areas near the stage, while enjoying live entertainment throughout the day.
Portable chairs and blankets are welcome, or purchase entrance to the "Oktoberfest" tent, which will include choice seating, beer, wine and other beverages in a traditional Oktoberfest setting near the main stage. There will be no charge to enter the general festival grounds, visit the artist booths, and enjoy the entertainment. All ages are welcome and stations will be set up at major entrance points where over 21 guests will be able to obtain a wristband if they choose to drink beer or wine.
Background/Mission
Artoberfest 2007 joins together the previously established New Territory Arts Association Fall Celebration of the Arts and an Oktoberfest event that was in preliminary planning stages. The New Territory Arts Association mission is to create a vital Benton Harbor Arts District through community outreach and advocacy of the arts. The Arts District businesses share in this vision by offering friendly and attractive establishments where visitors can enjoy great food, see and/or participate in lively entertainment, shop, meet or just chill out in relaxing and inviting spaces.
The first "Oktoberfest" took place on October 12, 1810, which included a great horse race to commemorate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburgausen. Eventually the starting date of this two-week long affair was pushed to the end of September for the better weather, and with higher temperatures stimulating the thirst of the visitors (quenched by drinking large quantities of beer). Traditionally, the first Saturday symbolizes the official prelude to the Oktoberfest celebration with an event that showcases the splendidly decorated horse teams of the breweries and the bands that play in the festival tents.
Artoberfest combines the interests of the New Territory Arts Association, the area merchants, regional artists, and some traditions of Oktoberfest for a fantastic fall festival in the Benton Harbor Arts District.
For more information contact Claudia Stephens, cstephens@bluespotprod.com