With Mattoon’s Hampton Inn being one of the many hotels packed to the rafters this weekend, you would think local bars and vendors would be giddy in anticipation for all the ample people scampering around Charleston during Homecoming weekend.

However, it seems that’s not the case. In fact, baffling as it may sound, it is just business as usual. Don’t expect drink, food or entertainment specials at mainstays such as Marty’s, Jerry’s Pizza & Pub, Stix or E.L. Krackers this weekend.

Employees at each of the places were quick to shoot down the idea of specials at their venues.

Fear not, however. Not all business owners are acutely aware of just how many consumers each business will be competing for or taking advantage of the excess crowds this weekend, but Some are right on the ball and have cooked up several specials.

In the heart of Charleston’s Square, the Uptowner has planned for two bands to rock out Friday night. One is Scrap, a band that is comprised of alumni reuniting to play exclusively this weekend, and solo artist Ryan Groff will precede them on the stage.

“One of the biggest things is the band Scrap,” said Jimmy Wickiser, manager of the Uptowner. “Friday night they are reuniting with Ryan Groff opening.”

Free munchies will be available at the venue Friday night in the form of the nostalgic treat animal crackers.

“You have to come to the Uptowner for animal crackers,” Wickiser said. “From open to close free animal crackers. It really will be good.”

On Saturday morning the watering hole has organized a build-your-own Bloody Mary setup, which will be available for customers to indulge in all afternoon, Wickiser said.

“(Starting) at 8 a.m., there will be a Bloody Mary bar, “he said, “We don’t put a stopping time on it. It gets really crowded in here, but there’s always room for one more. It will be even more crowded because of the alumni. We set (the Bloody Mary bar) up so you can make your own, which is very fun. It will be a blast. Every Saturday we also have 50 different bottle imports selling for $2.”

Another pub that has joined on the Blood Mary Bar bandwagon is Top of the Roc, which will unveil its bar Saturday as part of festivities for the Homecoming parade, said Mike Knoop, manager of the bar.

Students and alumni can also feast on the pub’s Saturday special featuring a platter of pulled-pork barbecue, he said.

“Sunday we have a beautiful brunch from 11 (a.m.) to 2 (p.m.),” Knoop said. “We try to do it every year. It has always been pretty low key.”

Knoop said not many people have known about the brunch, but he is hoping students and alumni come out and enjoy the tasty meal.

“I am looking for a great weekend with all the alumni coming out,” he said.

Despite Homecoming weekend being a huge event, Knoop said in recent years the area turnout has been bleak.

“I’ve been doing this for 20 years and over the last five or six it hasn’t been as good,” he said.

Knoop emphasized the size of the revenue pie has grown smaller and said bars’ business may suffer because it has become socially less acceptable to drink, resulting in fewer people enjoying the night life.

However, he said, “it has always a good time on weekend nights.”

The Uptowner also will be displaying popular sports games besides Eastern’s Homecoming game Saturday versus Eastern Kentucky University on the five televisions the venue boasts, one of them being a 65″ high-definition light screen, he said.

Arguably one of the most popular Sunday events in Charleston will take center stage at the Uptowner in the increasingly popular musical event titled “All Acoustic Sundays.”

“It is packed in here on Sundays, Wickiser said. “Last week there were about 150 people.”

He said Groff hosts the event with different musical guests opening up each week, and is expecting an even bigger bulge in the bar with alumni in town.

“Everyone sings along with the songs that Ryan sings,” Wickiser said. “Dave from 11th and Cleveland steps in every once in a while. Josh Boyer also steps in. This Sunday Larry Gates will be performing with Ryan.”

All performances at the event are acoustic and “has always been really fun,” he said.

Even beyond the borders of Charleston, some musical entertainment can be had.

Gunner Buc’s bar is hosting bands Stump Clark and 11 Days and also will have its televisions tuned in to the Panther game and other sports games.

“Since the playoffs are going on we’ll have that type of stuff on,” said Doug Babbs, owner of the Mattoon pub. “All the big sports games will be on here.”