This sounds like a blast

[driveby]

Turned Leaf Festival offers alcohol-free alternative to Oktoberfest

By DAN SPRINGER | dspringer@lacrossetribune.com

 

With the music, food and, of course, beer, Oktoberfest is one whale of a celebration.

 

But for recovering alcoholics, a trip to the festgrounds can offer an unwanted temptation to break their sobriety.

 

Once again, fest-goers are offered an alcohol-free alternative at the Turned Leaf Festival, which will be held Saturday at Myrick Park, followed by free music in the evening at Coulee Council on Addictions at 921 West Ave.

 

This marks the 27th year the festival will be held.

 

Pat Ruda, executive director of Coulee Council on Addictions, said the event offers the same Oktoberfest atmosphere without the alcohol.

 

“We don’t discourage anyone from enjoying Oktoberfest. It depends on what they want to do and what’s good for them and works for them,” Ruda said. “When it comes to Oktoberfest, it seems like everyone is into the festivities, but, for people who are new to recovery, it’s harder for them. And this is a good alternative.”

 

The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the main shelter at Myrick Park. Plenty of food — including bratwurst, hamburgers and more — along with music, games and a lot of fun will be available.

 

From 7 to 11 p.m., there will be music and more fun at Coulee Council’s building, Ruda said.

 

“That’s also a very good time,” she said. “We have people come in and play. And you never know what you’re going to get until things start to happen.”

 

There is a $3 charge at the door to cover the costs involved with operating the festival, she said.

 

For more details, call Coulee Council on Addictions at (608) 784-4177.

[TimC]

If I'm a crack addict, I don't go hanging around downtown Richmond after dark....but that's just me.