Locomotions Hosting Block Party Next Saturday

COBLESKILL — Locomotions Bar and Grill is holding its second annual Block Party at 136 Railroad Ave. in Cobleskill next Saturday June 14 starting at 11 am.

Owner Steve Meyers said that Locomotions is holding the second Block Party because it was “such a big hit last year.” He received a lot of positive feedback from the public about the event and that it was an affordable option for the entire family.

He further said that the block party is a chance to increase events in Cobleskill for the public. He added that a number of events are free for children as well as a number of giveaways. The restaurant has a number of coolers, cornhole games, t-shirts, koozies, and more he will make available for the public. He’s been saving them for the year for the party.

Meyers said that there will be a raffle for a number of items that he’s been purchasing for the event, including a kayak and a gas grill.

The event will go on into the night, including several bands. This allows people to arrive during the day or after work and give a chance for parents to bring their kids to the block party. This includes three bands, with In the Dust in at 11 am to 3 pm, DJ Brian Keller from 3 pm to 6pm, and Cross Fire from 6 pm to 10 pm.

The block party was a major success last year, drawing 200-300 people and was steady throughout the day, last year. This included hundreds of snow cones.

“Where else can you take the kids” and enjoy the music and children’s activities. 

“The kids can enjoy the day as well,” he said.

This is going to include $2 hot dogs, $2 burgers, and $2 fries. He is seeking a chance to give back. This includes a dunk tank with a small fee, which will be donated to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley. Anyone who wants to get in the dunking booth is available, including children.

“Kids were lining up to be dunked,” he said.

Meyers is adding the bar’s mechanical bull to the event. There’s going to be a challenge to stay on the mechanical bull for eight seconds. There will be a charge to cover the cost of insurance.

There will be four bounce houses available for kids to use. There will be cotton candy, sno cones, face paintings, popcorn, and a full outdoor bar.

Part of the success of the event is due to the success of the bar and restaurant with “decently-priced drinks.” There are days with a line out the door, he adds. One of the most successful nights is Wing Wednesdays. 

The organizer said that it is gratifying to have individuals come up and say “It is wasn’t for you doing these types of specials, we wouldn’t be able to go out and eat.” This includes families coming in to enjoy a family meal and be able to afford it. This includes being able to afford to feed a family of eight for under $50.

“When I say that this is an event for the community, I mean that with heart,” he said. Meyers added that he’s not planning to make money but instead contribute to the community.

“We may be a bar, but we’re a bar for the community,” he said. Locomotions has made special effort to make sure that the bar and restaurant has been especially family-friendly.

Meyers said that he is planning to continue the block party annually. It’s possible that it could grow beyond its current venue on Railroad Avenue. Further events he’s been able to organize included a pub crawl earlier this year. Last year’s event allowed the public to see all that Locomotions had to offer, he said, and brought new repeat customers.

Meyers said last year that he enjoyed being able to distribute goodies to the public, including merchandising, balloons. He was able to climb up at the peak of his building to enjoy the music.