A pot o' gold: Runnin’ O’ the Green is good for business in Jamestown

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Larry Knoblich

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St. Patrick’s Day looms in the near future, and in Jamestown that means one thing — The Runnin’ O’ the Green.

This charity pub crawl on March 19 gives thousands of dollars to worthy causes and at the same time fills up hotels, restaurants, bars and many other businesses in Jamestown

Last year more than 1,800 registered runners helped raise $400 each for 15 local cancer patients and $12,000 for Elks Camp Grassick.

“I know the bars do extremely well,” said Larry Knoblich, event founder. “But the peripheral businesses also do extremely well.”

Buffalo City Tourism estimates the total economic impact is at least $500,000 for Jamestown.

First off, runners need a place to stay after a day of participating in the Run.

“We’ve been sold out for quite some time,” said Heather Dever, the new general manager at the 52-room Holiday Inn Express.

Even though she’s only been in Jamestown for about a week, Dever has heard from employees what to expect during the run.

“I’m excited to see how things go,” she said.

Food is another necessity for runners and Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill is one place, like other restaurants, that is very busy during the run, said Jess Wald, general manager.

“Usually the busier it is, the more fun it is for the staff,” she said.

Fun playing a factor is good for an increased staff because Wald said she expects customers from 11 a.m. till the end of the evening.

But the influx of people don’t just eat at restaurants, they take advantage of grocery stores as well.

“Most of them come back for the whole weekend to visit with friends and family and we see a bump in sales from it,” said Dan Bergan, manager at County Market.

Bergan, like Wald and many other businesses in town, is increasing staffing levels for the event.

As for the actual bars, the Runnin’ O’ the Green is by far and away the busiest day of the year.

“The day of the Run — there’s nothing like the Run,” said Andrea Huus, owner and manager at Shady’s.

Shady’s gets business the day before the run as well. It’s the site where people can register for the Run on Friday.

This year it again will host a registration event the night before. The cost is $10.

Last year on the Friday and Saturday of the run, Shady’s went through 350 cases of beer and five cases of rum. That’s not counting shots or other mixed drinks.

A few blocks away at the Wonder Bar, co-owner Tim Gilbertson isn’t exactly sure of how much product moves but said it’s a significant amount.

“The coolers are packed at the start of the day and by the time we’re done it’s empty,” Gilberston said.

The influx of people has also led Knoblich to request that bars plan ahead of time and order port-a-potties to alleviate long lines at restrooms.

So far the Rental Store in Jamestown has rented out 15 port-a-potties that were ordered by Jamestown bars, said Briam Ley, manger.

Taxi drivers are also busy during the during the Run and later into the night and early morning.

“It can be a very good day, one of the best of the year,” said Doug Fogderud, owner of Jamestown Taxi Service.

He expects to provide at least 90 rides on Saturday and into as early as 4 a.m. Sunday morning.

Knoblich commended area businesses for going above and beyond for the Run.

“They do a good job of welcoming us and accommodating us and I’m sure there is a greater expense,” he said.

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by e-mail at brodgers@jamestownsun.com

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