The 16th Annual Oakridge Keg and Cask Festival held on August 10 is a tribute to the fundraiser’s success

On August 10, 2024, the skies cleared sufficiently enough to allow the16th Annual Oakridge Keg and Cask Festival to be held on East First Street from 3p.m. to 11p.m. It was an open invitation to people to shop, dine and taste some mighty fine brews in the heart of the Uptown District of Oakridge.

The festival is an annual family-friendly event where locals and visitors are encouraged to come and listen to live music while they buy many locally made goods and food from area vendors. Attendees are encouraged to taste Oregon ciders, wines, and craft beers at the events iconic beer garden that gives it its namesake to the festival.

Food was available and there was plenty of it. On hand was Cowgirl Cookin run by Marissa Lopez. ‘Mar’ specializes in wraps, nachos, and bowls. Also on hand to feed the hungry was Matt & Middy’s, who offer an unusual array of specialty sandwiches. Lastly, another big seller was Lot Dawgs. This food cart serves up hot dogs done with a flair by local Jeana Hancock.

 

 

 

 

 

Amy Kelley, the event’s chairperson, said, “The event had a great turn out.  With a huge thanks to the Volunteers, Vendors, and of course all the patrons that attended. It seemed that everyone had a great time.”

Music filled the air throughout the entire event

As guests dine on local food and buy from vendors selling everything from jewelry to handmade soap, they can listen to live music being performed. Three bands played throughout the day. Alien Echo, a local Oakridge rock group, kicked things off with the Elana Leona Project following suite during the early afternoon period. Pendleton Highway, a country music group, wrapped up the evening’s shindig. 

A twenty-dollar donation at the beer and wine garden gets you five “tasting” tickets and a souvenir glass with the Keg & Cask logo emblazoned on it. Of course, you must be 21 or over to enter the alcohol serving area. Age is verified at the time of purchase.

Volunteers pitch in to raise funds for the local food box

 At its heart, the festival is a charity event that raises funds for the Upper Willamette Community Development Corporation’s Food Box program. The food box program is a community resource that provides meals to families in need in the Oakridge/Westfir area. According to the festival’s donation webpage, the Food Box serves over 1,240 people and 659 households, with the festival being the largest source of fundraising for this resource.

“All the proceeds from the festival support the Oakridge Food Box operations”, stated Bev McCulley, current board president of the UWCDC. She continued, ” My thanks to all the festival volunteers and attendees for contributing to another successful festival.”