City Hosts Oktoberfest on Oct. 20

This October will be packed with several exciting events in downtown Douglasville. The West Georgia Quad, Tike Ride, Main Street Market, Douglasville So You Think You Can Dance competition, Chili Cook-off and Moonlight Run will highlight the six-event-day to be held Saturday, Oct. 20.

"Registration is now open for all of the day's events. If you have never experienced Douglasville's October festivities, make this the year to join in the excitement. All events are free to attend and fun for the entire family," said Marcia Hampton, City of Douglasville community and downtown services director.

The day will began at 8 a.m. with the West Georgia Quad bike ride in downtown Douglasville. Cyclists will test their skills on a four-county tour of Carroll, Douglas, Haralson and Paulding counties. Participants have the option of riding a 35-, 65- or 100-mile loop. Registration is $35 and a portion will be donated to the Douglas and Paulding County United Way. The Douglasville Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is currently seeking rest stop sponsors for the event. To become a sponsor, contact Randi Miles, CVB tourism director at 678-715-6069.

At 10 a.m., children eight and younger will get in gear for the third annual Douglasville Tike Ride. Registration for the Tike Ride is $15 per rider. Safety gear is required for all bike riders, and training wheels are allowed for children. For more information, or to register for the West Georgia Quad or Tike Ride, visit www.westgaquad.com or call 770-947-5920.

So you think you can dance? Showcase your talent in the Douglasville So You Think You Can Dance competition, or come watch local talent as they perform from 1 to 3 p.m. during the Main Street Market. The dance competition is open to local dance studio and dance school groups, as well as middle and high school groups consisting of two or more dancers ages 18 and under. The competition is limited to two groups per school. To register your group, call 770-947-5920. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place in both youth and teen categories.

Promote your dance related business or services during the dance competition at the Main Street Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on O'Neal Plaza. The market will feature vendor booths showcasing dance studios, choreographers, dance apparel, hair and makeup artists and dance accessory companies. Applications for vendor booth spaces are available by calling 678-715-6092. Booth space rentals are $50 each.

Following the Main Street Market, the Cultural Arts Council will hold its annual Chili Cook-off from 6 to 9 p.m. on O'Neal Plaza. In addition to the chili competition, the Halloween-themed event will feature a costume contest for children. Chili Cook-off vendor booths are $75 each. Participants will compete for "Most Sold" and "Best Tasting" chili. The “Best Presentation” award will be given for the most creatively decorated booth. To register for the Chili Cook-off, or for more information, contact the Cultural Arts Council at 770-949-2787 or visit www.artsdouglas.org.

The Moonlight Run, sponsored by the Douglas County Rogue Runners, will be the final event of the day. Boasting a 33-year tradition, the run is an athletic event unique to Douglasville, and is the largest after dark 5K and one-mile run in the southeast. The race begins at 7 p.m. with the Tot Trot (5 and under), followed by the One Mile Run (youth 12 and under) at 7:30 p.m., and the 5K Run at 8 p.m. In conjunction with the race, a health fair will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Douglasville Conference Center featuring health-related vendors. For more information on the run or health fair, visit www.dcroguerunners.com or call race director Johnny Buice at 404-587-9628. Proceeds benefit the Douglas County Boys & Girls Club and the Arbor Station Elementary School track program.