Some bars and restaurants along Benton Street will host a series of outdoor parties beginning this month.
The Woodstock City Council approved a request Feb. 21 to allow a group of businesses to hold four events — dubbed Benton Street Block Parties — along North Benton Street immediately south of the railroad tracks to Cass Street. The 21-and-over block parties will feature an entertainment stage, food and beer sales, and access to nearby establishments.
The city will allow that part of Benton Street, as well as East Judd Street from North Jefferson to North Benton streets, to be fenced off and closed to traffic during and immediately following the events.
The request to host the block parties came from Mark Bezik, owner of The Cabin, 223 N. Benton St. In addition to The Cabin, D.C. Cobb’s, 226 Main St.; Benton Street Tap, 219 N. Benton St.; and Main Street PourHouse, 214 Main St., have partnered to host the events.
The first of the block parties will take place from noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18. The businesses will host additional parties Friday and Saturday, June 30 and July 1; Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27 and 28; and Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 21 and 22.
Because the Benton Street Block Parties will be fenced off, attendees will be allowed to drink alcohol outdoors as long as they stay within the designated area. The Woodstock Police Department will provide security, and organizers will reimburse the city for the extra details and overtime.
Councilman Dan Hart, owner of D.C. Cobb’s, recused himself from the council’s discussion and vote.