Road Race Sponsors Appreciation Night Brings Local Businesses Together

The Middlesex West Chamber of Commerce brought together several local businesses in Acton to say thanks for their sponsorship for the annual Oktoberfest Road Race. 

Executive Director Sarah Fletcher said the event was also an incentive for sponsors to sign up early. The event has always been held in the summer, despite the road race being in October every year. Fletcher said planning for the event began in March with getting vendors to commit to the event.

In all, 31 vendors showcased their products or promoted their businesses. Among them was Kiki Tobin, owner of inMotion, a cycling studio in Westford.

“I love meeting people at this event and the exposure,” Tobin said. She said she had been on the road race committee for several years and she’s a member of the Chamber of Commerce, so it was only natural for her to be a vendor there.

Tobin said her business offers spinning and cross-training classes with a variety of different instructors.

Cheryl Serbe, from Enterprise Bank, is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. “I love working for it,” she said. “it’s a great event to bring people together, to bring local businesses together on a summer night.” Serbe was handing out slices of pizza, watermelon and offering guests iced water.

Il Forno, and it’s manager, Cecily Jensen, was also on hand at the event.

“It’s a great place to showcase some of the new items on our menu,” she said. Jensen was serving chicken scarpiello, chicken piccata, and strawberry salad. Jensen said she wanted to show some of the different items on the menu that people might be interested in.

Guests at the event also enjoyed music from the Acton Jazz Café, who played in the Bathhouse Pavilion at NARA Park.

Colonial Spirits in Acton provided a beer and wine tasting. Among some of the selection was a German riesling, Italian prosecco, and beer from local brewing companies. Some of the other items guests could try included pulled pork, cake, and various appetizers.

“This is just a great event for the community, where local business can come out and showcase themselves,” Fletcher said.

The Oktoberfest Road Race will be held on Oct. 5, this year. The event begins at 10 a.m., with a children’s fun run at 9 a.m.