By Elise Gray
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
Businesses in Running Springs continue to prove there is no better way to celebrate than with beer and black forest cake. A little corner of town came alive on Saturday, Oct. 12, as Brown Bag Books celebrated 20 years in the book business with a lively and well-attended “Booktoberfest” at The Faktory.
A welcome sign encouraging onlookers to come inside.
The event, which fused the charm of Oktoberfest with a love of literature, drew a crowd of book lovers, families and community members, as well as local businesses.
Festivities kicked off at noon with the quirky and fun wooden shoe parade, drawing smiles from attendees of all ages as participants clacked their way through the grounds in traditional wooden footwear. Following the parade, the much-anticipated bratwurst feast began at 1:00 p.m., with free refreshments including both classic and veggie options to accommodate everyone’s tastes. That was followed by cake slicing at 3:30. The event raised funds for a local animal shelter, adding a heartwarming cause to the day’s already festive activities.
Throughout the day, guests enjoyed a variety of entertainment, including live music, relaxing massages by Kandice Watson and the enchanting magic of pre-loved books, blankets and beyond. A vintage book section delighted collectors and readers alike, offering a chance to pick up rare finds alongside favorite reads. Beer specially brewed by Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company added to the cheerful atmosphere while vintage books lined shelves soaring to the ceiling.
Emily Nohr, owner of Juniper Candle Co., was there to support Brown Bag Books and sell her soy candles.
Interesting vintage magazines and handmade blankets adorned the surrounding seating areas in almost every corner while residents sat and swapped stories. Local businesses also gathered to sell wares at the event, such as Juniper Candle Co., a Green Valley Lake candle company specializing in hand-poured soy candles with phthalate-free, curated scents. “We absolutely love supporting other local businesses like this – we’re even working on an exclusive book scent for Brown Bag Books,” said Emily Nohr, owner of Juniper Candle Co.
It was a successful day of bringing the town together to celebrate not just the milestone anniversary of Brown Bag Books, but also the sense of togetherness the store has fostered over the past two decades. For book enthusiasts and families looking for a fun weekend outing, Booktoberfest offered something for everyone and will surely be remembered as a highlight of the fall season in Running Springs.
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