New Oktoberfest Festival brewing in Vandergrift
Beers, bratwurst and German culture are set to collide with a new festival in Vandergrift.
The area’s first Oktoberfest Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24.
It is co-sponsored by Allusion Brewing Co. and the Vandergrift Business Association, and organizers are excited to close off Grant Avenue and roll out a German welcome to the public.
A section of Columbia Avenue also will be closed off to accommodate food trucks and bands.
Those attending can expect live music, food trucks, German beer and a festive atmosphere, said organizer Robert Buchanan, co-owner of Allusion Brewing Co.
“Last year, we had at least 200 people ask us if we were going to have an Oktoberfest event,” Buchanan said.
Munich’s iconic Oktoberfest beer festival begins in September, for those wondering why the event was scheduled this month.
Rain or shine, a tent accommodating 80 seats will occupy the middle of Grant Avenue in front of Allusion Brewing Co.
Make sure you bring your ID, as beer drinkers will be carded. A wristband will be given to those 21 and older.
“But the event is family friendly, with food trucks and music,” Buchanan added.
Volunteer and business association member Karen Cramer is new to the Oktoberfest scene, but she is excited to embrace German culture, at least for a day.
“I’m going to enjoy the festivities and have a few beers,” said Cramer. “Germany is coming to Vandergrift. We hope to make this an annual event.”
Attendees can test their strength and compete in the free beer stein-holding competition.
Forty men and 40 women will have the opportunity to compete, and winners will advance to the state championship.
Competitors will compete by holding a 5-pound stein filled with water at a 90-degree angle with their arm straight out for as long as possible.
The competition begins at 1 p.m. and is sponsored by the U.S. Steinholding Association.
Register online for the competition at eventbrite.com.
Rae Bruner, VBA board member and volunteer, said the event has been anticipated since last year.
“The goal of this event is to promote community unity,” Bruner said. “We want people to enjoy Vandergrift. We’re hoping to pull attendees from everywhere.”
State Rep. Jason Silvis, R-55th District, will kick off the Oktoberfest festivities at 11 a.m.
“I’m excited to see the community coming out to Vandergrift. They asked me to help out,” said Silvis, who grew up in Washington Township and graduated from Kiski Area High School.
Scheduled performers include Joe Lege, Classic Brew Band, The Barons Light and The PolkaMeisters.
Performances by Almrausch Schuhplattlers, German dancers based out of Altoona, are scheduled throughout the day.
Food trucks scheduled include Wok on Wheels and J&J Smokehouse, and more than 30 vendors are booked.
“People will be dressing up for this event — in lederhosen and dirndls,” Buchanan said.
Allusion Brewing will sell German-themed fare, including knackwurst sandwiches, wurst platters and bratwurst.
Organizers said the annual ArtFest in July drew almost 5,000 people, and they expect thousands to be in attendance for Oktoberfest.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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