Organizers say Oktoberfest will showcase LaPorte County vendors and benefit local businesses

Eric Williams, Michigan City special events organizer, said the festival emphasizes local participation: "a lot of these vendors...they're from Michigan City and from LaPorte County," and added that promoting local businesses is an important part of the event’s mission.

Williams noted the mix of returning staple vendors and many new vendors this year, and described the craft and merchandise area as expanded. The hosts said the event provides opportunities for community entrepreneurs to sell directly to festival attendees, although the transcript did not give specific revenue projections or publicly-funded incentives for vendors.

Organizers encouraged local residents to attend and support small businesses at the festival and pointed listeners to the special events Facebook page for vendor listings and booth locations.