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Downtown organizers preview fall events, launch 'Origins' singer‑songwriter series
Summary
Downtown event organizers briefed the BID board on a slate of fall and holiday events, including a new indoor 'Origins' series for emerging singer‑songwriters, a block party this week and several tribute concerts and holiday attractions.
Bill, a representative of The Bend events team, and Phil Furchi, speaking for the Downtown Association, told the Downtown Business Improvement District board on Sept. 2 that downtown programming will ramp up this month after a quieter summer. They said the season resumes with a block party produced in partnership with West Bend and the Downtown Association, followed by a new indoor weekly series called Origins showcasing emerging singer‑songwriters.
The Origins series will run on Thursdays indoors with concessions and a bar, Phil Furchi said. “That’s free for the community,” he added when asked about admission. Other upcoming shows listed to the board include tribute acts and larger concerts: Chili Piper’s on Sept. 6 (about 300 tickets already sold), a Beatles‑era blues act, a Billy Joel tribute and an ABBA tribute called Dancing Queen. Organizers also previewed holiday programming, including a smaller Trans‑Siberian Orchestra performance and a screening of A Christmas Story with two cast members attending for autographs.
Phil Furchi, who said he will be taking over Downtown Association responsibilities while Noel transitions to the Volunteer Center of Washington County, also reviewed recurring events the association runs with the BID, including the farmers market, which he said will run through Oct. 25 on Saturdays. He said the downtown trick‑or‑treat will be held “on the tenth, Friday the tenth,” and the autumn wine walk is scheduled for Nov. 22. Furchi said the association is building a new West Bend Christkindle Mart with the West Bend Rotary Club and is booking entertainment and sponsorships for that event.
Organizers said recent events include Wheels on Main (about 425 vehicles) and GlobalFest, which drew positive community response but whose future return depends on final financial review and volunteer capacity. “I can’t make a decision on that yet until I get a chance to look at all the financials and talk to the board,” Furchi said.
For full event listings and ticket information, organizers directed the public to the Downtown Association website (benwi.org).
