Oktoberfest and Scrip Kickoff is October 29th

While the weather this week may seem like we’ve been cheated out of the glory days of fall and sent straight to winter, luckily we have time to celebrate the harvest and start prepping to spoil our loved ones thanks our Malta banks, The Malta Area Chamber of Commerce, and over 40 of our local merchants.

Malta’s third annual, family-friendly Oktoberfest, in conjunction with the “Shop Home for the Holidays” Christmas Scrip Kick-Off will be Thursday, October 29th at the Stockman Terrace.

Banks and businesses will be open until 8 p.m. and host a variety of activities and store promotions to usher in the season and celebrate the great local businesses Malta has to offer.

The Christmas Scrip program is a low-interest loan program available at all three local banks; The First State Bank of Malta, Bank of Malta, and Independence Bank and co-sponsored by the Malta Area Chamber of Commerce.

Scrip offers up to $1,000 in loans that are paid back in 10 monthly installments. It traditionally kicks off at the end of October and runs through December 24. Last year, Phillips County residents invested $239,368 of their local dollars at home by shopping locally while enjoying fun community events and store promotions.

The Christmas Scrip program has been serving Phillips County for over 30 years. It continues to be a valuable program for both shoppers and local businesses by encouraging residents to spend their dollars locally, allowing families to spread out the financial cost of the holidays and larger expenses throughout the year, and at the same time building a stronger community with special events and gatherings.

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with the always entertaining Scarecrow Decorating Contest. In addition to a whole year of bragging rights, the two finest scarecrows will be awarded prizes of $50.00 and $25.00 in Dino Dollars. Entrants are expected to bring all of their own tricks of the trade, including decorations and stands. Call the PC Museum at 654-1037 and speak with Danielle or Lori for more information on this event.

Scarecrows aren’t in your bag of tricks? Are you a keeper of the culinary crafts? Restaurants and licensed caterers are challenged to stir up some magic at the Oktoberfest Soup Cook-Off and see who will to claim the top three Dino Dollar prizes. Competition is guaranteed to be stiff, so be prepared to share your very best soul-warming soup, as attendees will be sampling the goods and judging this event. Contact Katie at Westside Self Service (654-1406) for sign ups and information.

Local businesses are encouraged to share their “Harvest Spirit” in the Storefront Decorating Contest. Looking for some help and inspiration? Ask a community group (such as the Boys and Girls Club, Key Club, FCCLA, etc.) to pitch in and wow your customers because they are going to be choosing their favorite. All store customers who make a purchase on Thursday evening will get a ballot to vote on their favorite.

Finally, an election where it is encouraged to vote early and vote often! Let’s all get out and spend our dollars locally and see what businesses have come up with to get us in the giving spirit.

While you are at it, share your own creativity by dropping off a carved pumpkin at Patty’s Greenhouse for another chance to take home prizes and personal glory! Contact Mardi Demarais for more details.

Local 4-H groups will have games and prizes to keep the goblins busy while you refuel on some of the best soups in the county and avoid the dreaded “Shop til you Drop” curse. Still thirsty for entertainment? Brew up some fun and mischief and enjoy some actual brews or spirits with friends at the Stockman or wow the crowd with your superior intellect (or evil genius) at Blue Ridge Brewing’s Trivia Night.

These are just the first events in the Merchant’s jam-packed holiday schedule, and a great time to snap up the perfect gifts for your friends and family (or find just the thing that you have been wanting for yourself). It’s a great night to show your support for this community and our solid selection of unique businesses and establishments. See you on Thursday, and don’t forget to buy your buttons!