229 Octoberfest, sponsored by Honor Sentinel Inc., will be providing fun for the whole family in the late afternoon and evening Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Earle May Boat Basin Amphitheater.

Honor Sentinel Inc., under the direction of CEO Dan West, has been working the better part of the year to develop an Honor House Veterans Center. They have had concert events, smoked meat and barbeque sales and held raffles to raise funds to make the center a reality.

Thanks to a donation from the Decatur County Schools, the organization acquired a building at 1302 E. Evans St. and was in the process of renovating it to suit its purpose.

Then, on Sept. 5, disaster struck when someone set fire to the building and it was declared a total loss—without insurance.

West, however, is not discouraged, but actually more motivated than ever to make this veterans center a reality.

“If you will excuse the pun, this just adds fuel to the fire,” West said wryly.

229 Octoberfest was already in the planning stages when the fire occurred. Now, he says, 100 percent of all proceeds will go to rebuilding the center from the ground up.

229 Octoberfest runs from 5 p.m. to midnight at the Boat Basin and will feature the music from such bands as Midnight Matinee and Caliber Band, both of Bainbridge, Rock Kandy and Days to Come, both of Albany and Nation of Fitzgerald. Days to Come was the winner of the Battle of the Bands held recently in Albany.

West added that there will be two free bounce houses for kids by separate age groups from 5 to 7 p.m. and raffles and auctions with great prizes.

Admission is $10 for adults 11 and up, and $5 for children 6-10. Children under age 5 are admitted free.

The City of Bainbridge has partnered with Honor Sentinel Inc. by providing the space free of charge.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and come enjoy the evening while helping an organization that is dedicated to providing a place where our veterans can receive much needed services.

Donations are also welcome and those wishing to help may contact West at 229-726-6853 or at HONORSENTINELINC@YAHOO.COM. This is a 501©3 not for profit organization.