Nonalcoholic socializing set at The Press

This weekend will be the first weekend The Press-Espresso Bar will do a nonalcoholic socializing event from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, owner Keith Eldridge said.

The event is meant to provide "a clean, safe, nonalcoholic" environment for young adults in Havre, Eldridge said, adding that he doesn't know how many people will show up or what to expect. He said the event will be happening every weekend.

For the event they will be moving the clothing racks for fivehead's to the back to open up more space for people, he said, and bringing out a couch and some additional seats and tables.

He had initially gotten the idea after talking with Kimmi Boyce of the Chi Alpha Club at Montana State University-Northern, Eldridge said, and discussed it with his son, Derek, and his wife, Loretta. Eldridge said that was what lead them to this idea, adding that it is important to the community.

"To be something to do, be somewhere to go," he said.

He added that young people don't have many options here in town when it comes to places just to relax or socialize. He wanted to give them that opportunity in an environment where they are welcome.

For the event he has also hired an additional employee specifically for the late nights, Eldridge said. He added that he has also talked to a couple of businesses around town and there is a possibility of having locally owned food partnerships in the future. He asked for people not to bring outside food or drinks to the event.

There will also be some games such as Jack Box Game's Quiplash, which is mad libs, chess boards and other games, he said. They will also be offering free wifi. In the future, the event might have other entertainment.

Eldridge said they are targeting college-age students and are willing to open up late nights in the future for finals week and other college-related events.

The Press will also be open after football games, he added.

He said they have put up posters all over the college campus and have received positive feedback online over Facebook. It was the biggest thing The Press has ever done over Facebook, Eldridge said, with over 11,500 views, 160 shares and multiple comments.

"I am excited about it. I wanted it to be something that was positive for the community," he said.

"We saw a need," he added, "and we fit it the best we could. Hopefully everyone has fun.

"If it ain't fun it ain't worth doing," Eldridge said.