Two hundred years ago, the people of Bavaria, in what is now Germany, gathered together each September to celebrate the harvest. They called their celebration Oktoberfest.
For the past five years, Building a Better Boyertown has hosted its own Oktoberfest celebration. This event has provided the funds for BBB projects such as the recently completed Street Scape project in the center of town.
Boyertowns Oktoberfest remains true to the original German Oktoberfest celebration by providing a market for local craftsman to display and sell their wares. This year, BBB has expanded Oktoberfest to a two-day, funfilled celebration.
On Friday, Sept. 19, from 5-9 p.m., the event will kick off in the Inner-Core Parking Lot in the borough. Food concessions will be available from local vendors and the band Free Way will play a variety of hits from the 1960s to present day.
Just as the mayor of Munich opens the official Oktoberfest celebration, Boyertowns own mayor and council president will arrive via horse-drawn carriage at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20th for the ceremonial tapping of the first keg. This years entertainment has been expanded and includes something for everyone:
10:30 a.m., Boyertowns Alumni Band will start the event off.
Noon, Boyertowns own Stephanie Grace will perform.
3 p.m., The Auerhahn Schuhplattler Dancers will dance us back to historical Bavaria. The Schuhplattler Dancers are known for their authentic German folk dancing and have been a highlight of past celebrations.
5 p.m., the BBB is pleased to present local German band Toad Creek Music, and to end the festivities Vuja De will take the stage at 7 p.m.
If you are hungry during Oktoberfest, you can enjoy items from food vendors including Sweet Beginnings, Hillbilly Barbecue, CDs Place, The Grill Shop, J-Walkers Funnel Cake, The Schnitzel House, the Kiwanis, and Philly Pretzels.
And of course, what would an Oktoberfest be without a variety of your favorite beverages to accompany the food? Beer will be supplied by Rader Co, The Other Farm Brewery, Sly Fox Brewery and Saucony Creek Brewery. Wine will be provided by Blair Vineyards and Manatawny Creek Winery.
If youve been collecting the authentic German souvenir beer mugs, the BBB is pleased to offer its sixth anniversary mug, which can be purchased before the event at Patsys Potpourri of Gifts, Serenity Fitness and Wellness, or at the Building a Better Boyertown office. Mugs are also available on the day of the event for $25.
Join the BBB in celebrating Pennsylvanias German heritage, catch up with friends, and enjoy the early September under the Oktoberfest tent. For more information, visit www.BoyertownOtktoberfest.com