The festival, a blend of art, music, food, and entertainment, celebrated its second year. This annual Oktoberfest-themed event, beloved by many Boone residents, took place Saturday on North Depot Street in downtown Boone. Locals from across Watauga County gathered to enjoy live country music, various performances, and a selection of local beers, among other attractions. Beyond the festive atmosphere, Boonetoberfest also served as an important platform for community advocacy, specifically promoting literacy and raising awareness about overdose prevention.
Annie Preaux, an assistant professor in the Department of Public Health and Exercise Science at Appalachian State University, spearheaded the advocacy efforts at the festival. Preaux highlighted the collaborative spirit, explaining that the Watauga Arts Council partnered with The Big Read. Together, these organizations set up dedicated booths offering valuable public health resources to attendees. Among the items distributed were free overdose reversal kits, critical tools in preventing fatal outcomes from opioid misuse. Additionally, the booths provided free copies of Barbara Kingsolver’s acclaimed novel, “Demon Copperhead,” a book chosen to promote literacy and spark conversations on related social issues within the community.
The reach of this advocacy extended further through another key partnership. The Big Read collaborated with Homestead Recovery, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges. Mollie Bolick, who serves as the center director for Homestead Recovery, emphasized the unique opportunity Boonetoberfest presented for their outreach initiatives. Bolick explained that the festival provided an effective venue to disseminate crucial information about substance use and recovery, particularly within the diverse local community. She noted that the event allowed them to interact with a demographic somewhat different from those Homestead Recovery typically serves, enabling their message and resources to reach a broader audience than usual.
Homestead Recovery’s booth reported significant success in its mission. Bolick detailed the distribution numbers, indicating that volunteers handed out nearly one hundred copies of “Demon Copperhead” to interested festivalgoers. Concurrently, the organization distributed close to fifty overdose reversal kits, equipping community members with life-saving tools. Bolick further underscored the vital importance of widespread awareness regarding substance abuse recovery throughout the community, especially given the persistent stigma often associated with these challenges. She articulated a core philosophy of their work, observing that "Healing and recovery happens in community," highlighting the collective effort required to support individuals on their recovery journey.
The general festive ambiance of Boonetoberfest complemented these advocacy efforts. The festival offered a rich array of German-style foods, delighting attendees with traditional fare such as brats and pretzels. Lost Province Brewing Co. maintained its own stand, offering a variety of beers to those celebrating. Throughout the evening, local artists provided continuous musical entertainment, primarily featuring live country music performances that resonated with the High Country crowd. Oktoberfest-themed games were also hosted, contributing to a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere where children and adults alike could participate.
Festivalgoers immersed themselves in the celebration, often seen drinking beer from authentic German steins, enjoying pretzels, and observing the various musical acts. In addition to the advocacy booths, the festival featured multiple other nonprofit organizations and vendors. For instance, FizzEd and The Children’s Playhouse were present, with the latter having partnered directly with Lost Province Brewing Co. for the event. Tables were also set up by local artisans, selling a diverse selection of handmade items. These included intricately crafted ceramics, vibrant stained glass pieces, and various plants, showcasing the local artistic talent and entrepreneurial spirit within Boone.
Having completed its second year, Boonetoberfest is slated to continue as an annual tradition in the coming years. The organizers have affirmed their commitment to ensuring that the festival's booths will persistently offer resources and information, aiming to promote both the rich artistic culture and essential community advocacy efforts across the High Country. The event continues to be a cherished gathering for residents, combining celebration with a commitment to local well-being.
