Community members enjoy 2015’s Little Nashville in downtown Ottawa.
File photo | The Lima News
OTTAWA — For one night a year, normally peaceful Ottawa transforms into a giant beer garden.
Starting at 4 p.m. this Friday, downtown Ottawa will be wrapped in yellow police tape indicating it is an alcohol consumption zone, where attendees can walk from one venue to another with their drinks.
The event, dubbed ‘Little Nashville,’ started in 2014.
“The brains behind Little Nashville belong to Tom “Duffer” Rosenbauer,” said Barney Beckman, who retired from Beckman Jewelers in Ottawa and serves as the president of the Ottawa-Glandorf Rotary Club. “We’re trying to copy Nashville, where all of the establishments in town have bands. There are eight venues where people can go to listen to different music groups.”
The headliner, Hubie Ashcraft, will perform country rock music from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Rex Pavilion. Music samples are available online at hubieashcraft.com/music.
“There are different entry points around downtown,” where individuals aged 16 and older can pay the $5 entry fee and 15 and younger are free, said Beckman. To drink, individuals must present ID.
In addition to alcoholic drinks, there will also be other beverages to purchase and free water.
“The Jaycees will have a burger and fries trailer and some of the venue establishments will also offer food,” said Beckman.
“What’s nice about Little Nashville is it gives us a chance to get the community together,” said Beckman, who expects a turnout of over 1,000 people. Individuals typically drive from within a 20-mile radius, including Lima, but some come from as far as Napoleon and Findlay.
Proceeds from Little Nashville will go to the general fund of the Ottawa-Glandorf Rotary Club, a nonprofit organization. The organization distributes funds for community projects and for scholarships.
For safety, a free taxi service, provided by Whirlpool, will be located on Taft St. to drive people home who may have had too much to drink.
HEADLINER (8:30 to 11:30 p.m.)
Rex Pavilion, 114 N. Elm St.: Hubie Aschcraft
LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES (5 to 8 p.m.)
Rex Pavilion, 114 N. Elm St.: Red Feather
American Legion Post 63, 218 W. Main St.: Al Felkey Mixed Up Band
Well Grounded Cafe, 114 N. Elm St.: Model Affinity
Legends, 130 W. Main St.: Wes Garcia
Eagles, 135 W. Main St.: Truck Stop Manners
VFW Post 9142, 212 W. 2nd St.: Shifferly Road
Schnipke Inn, 202 W. Main St.: Trophy Husbands
Cavern Club/Schroeder Arts Building, 162 W. Main St.: Cross Eyed Willy
Reach Shannon Bohle at 567-242-0399, by email at [email protected] or on Twitter @Bohle_LimaNews.
