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Downtown groups outline autumn events, new music series and holiday lineup
Summary
Representatives from The Bend and the Downtown Association told the West Bend Downtown BID board about upcoming fall events including a block party, a new “Origins” singer‑songwriter series, tributes, and holiday programming; Phil Furchi said he is transitioning into a lead role at the Downtown Association.
Bill (last name not provided), an events representative for The Bend, and Phil Furchi, a representative of the Downtown Association, gave the Downtown Business Improvement District board an update on fall and holiday events at the board’s Sept. 2 meeting.
Bill said the Bend intentionally scaled back events over the summer and will resume a heavier schedule starting with a joint block party with the city on Thursday that will feature two bands. “We’re just finishing up our low key summer,” Bill said, and added that the block party will be a “big event for downtown.”
He described a new indoor Thursday series called “Origins,” which will feature up‑and‑coming singer‑songwriters and concessions, and replace Music on Main for the coming season. Bill also listed several returning tribute acts planned for September and autumn, including Chili Pip(er)s, a Billy Joel tribute, an ABBA show and a Trans‑Siberian Orchestra smaller production for the holiday season. He said two actors from the film A Christmas Story are planned to appear for a meet‑and‑greet after a screening.
Phil Furchi told the board he will be taking over responsibilities at the Downtown Association as Noel transitions to another organization. He said the farmer’s market will run Saturdays through Oct. 25 and called Thursday’s block party the grand finale of the Music on Main season. Phil previewed downtown trick‑or‑treat on Oct. 10, an autumn wine walk on Nov. 22, and a new West Bend Christkindle Mart planned for the week after the wine walk. He said the association is working with the West Bend Rotary Club on planning, entertainment booking and sponsorships.
When asked whether Origins events will be free, Phil said, “That’s free for the community.”
The board and staff expressed appreciation for the season’s events. Phil noted the recent Wheels on Main event drew about 425 vehicles and that GlobalFest’s financial results were still under review; he said a $20,000 one‑time city grant had helped that event but that a decision about repeating GlobalFest will wait until the Downtown Association reviews final financials with its board.
The update concluded with no formal board action tied to the events report.
