Not to be put off by a little rain, the latest go-round of Pours in Stores, Eat Drink and Be Local, proved to be a resounding success on Thursday, April 5 for local businesses. Hosted by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Valley First Credit Union and Academy Mortgage, 13 downtown merchants extended their hours and opened their doors to participate.

“We had a lot of shopping going on. A lot of economic development, which is what it’s for,” Mary Guardiola, Oakdale Chamber of Commerce CEO said of the event. “This is really a home run event for us because all the merchants were happy.”

According the Guardiola both merchant numbers as well as ticket sales were up from the inaugural event last October. The next Pours in Stores will be hosted on Oct. 11 of this year.

For a ticket price of $25 per person (pre-sale), shoppers were given a souvenir glass to take to the varying participating locations for sampling of wine, beer or both. The event began at 5 p.m. with check in at the Reata and concluded at 8 p.m.

“It was a great turnout,” Foxy Designs owner Tammy Golding said. “It was bigger than last time. We served Rivi’s wine and hors d’oeuvres.”

Golding shared that the increase in business participation coupled with the increased attendance proved to make for a fun night for all involved. She noted advance publicity by the chamber as well as local business owners seemed to have a positive effect on the demographic. Shoppers and sippers ranged from their early 20s to late 60s.

“We actually also had some out of towners,” Golding stated. “It definitely increases business. People were even coming in the next day.”

For the price of just $25 for the night, Golding said she felt it was an excellent value for people to just spend a night out with friends and the community.

“Even if you don’t drink,” she said. “It’s a great night to be out socializing with your friends.”

For information on the next Pours in Stores and other upcoming Oakdale Chamber events visit www.oakdalechamber.com.