Oktoberfest in Chambersburg: Something for you, the kids...and the dog, too
CHAMBERSBURG >> Chambersburg's 2nd Annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 3, promises to be a fun-filled day with events for all ages including a 5K race, German food and music, craft beer, a duck derby and more.
"We're always looking for creative ways to bring more people downtown while showcasing our local businesses, cultural assets and natural resources like the waterways and rail trail," said Noel Purdy, president of Downtown Chambersburg Inc., in a press release about the event.
"Oktoberfest does all of this and more," Purdy said.
The main event, Oktoberfest, will be noon-5 p.m. under the big tent in the New Texas Lunch Family Restaurant's parking lot on the corner of West King Street and Hood Street.
On tap will be Roy-Pitz and Oktoberfest craft beers, cider and hard root beer, which guests can enjoy from Oktoberfest souvenir mugs.
The tastes and sounds of Germany will add to the Oktoberfest happenings, with German cuisine from food vendors café d'italia, EJ's Grill and Nathan Miller Chocolate and German music performed by The Happy Wanderers.
New this year is the addition of a costume contest and other Oktoberfest-themed games. A free kids' area will feature crafts and games at Chambers Fort Park. Kids must be accompanied by an adult while in the kids' area.
Other activities throughout the day include the North Square Farmers Market 8 a.m.-noon, the John H. Harmon Memorial 5k Run/Walk at 10 a.m., I Love My Dog Day 10 a.m.-noon, Mutts Gone Nuts at noon and the 2015 Duck Derby at 2:30 p.m.
More details about these events are in this edition of Weekender.
Oktoberfest tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door or $5 for designated drivers. A 16-ounce glass mug will be issued with each ticket purchase. Beer pours will be $4 each and German food can be purchased upon entry from local vendors.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.chambersburg.org/events or call 717-264-7101.
Proceeds from Oktoberfest and the duck derby will be used for downtown revitalization.
Downtown Chambersburg Inc., in partnership with Roy-Pitz Brewing Company, the Harmon family and the Capitol Theatre, is coordinating the event.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
JOHN H. HARMON MEMORIAL 5K RUN/WALK
•8 a.m. Registration at King Street Elementary School, 145 E. King St.
•10 a.m. 5k begins
•11:30 a.m. Duckie Dash Kids' Fun Run
$25 race day registration, Fun Run is free (donations accepted)
The race will start at King and Main Streets and head north through the historic North End of Chambersburg. Following the race is the Duckie Dash Kids' Fun Run. All proceeds from the race are donated to fund lung research at Hershey Medical Center. Visit www.harmon5k.com for fees and entry forms.
NORTH SQUARE FARMERS MARKET
•8 a.m.- noon, 50 N. Main St.
Free admission
Chambersburg's only open-air farmers market, offering fresh, seasonal and 100 percent locally-grown produce as well as art and entrepreneur vendors. For more information, visit www.northsquarefarmersmarket.com.
I LOVE MY DOG DAY
•10 a.m.- noon in The Capitol Theatre parking lot, 159 S. Main St.
Free admission
Enjoy a family- and dog- friendly day at the Capitol Theatre with a wiener dog race, dog costume contest and pet vendors. Pet photos and portraits will also be available. For more information, call 717-263-0202 or visit www.thecapitoltheatre.org.
OKTOBERFEST
•Noon-5 p.m. under the big tent in the parking lot on the corner of West King and Hood streets
$10 in advance, $15 at the door or $5 for designated driver
German food, beer, music and more. For tickets or more information, visit www.chambersburg.org/events or call 717-264-7101.
MUTTS GONE NUTS
Noon at The Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St.
$18 adults and seniors, $13 students
A dozen amazing rescue dogs match wits with their human companions in this hilarious family show. For more information, call 717-263-0202 or visit www.thecapitoltheatre.org.
2015 DUCK DERBY
•2:30 p.m. at Park of the Valiant, North Second Street (derby start) and Chambers Fort Park, North Main Street (derby finish)
$5 per duck or $25 for a Quack Pack (6 ducks)
Purchase ducks and watch them race from the Park of the Valiant along the Falling Spring to the spring's convergence with the Conococheague Creek, finishing under the foot bridge between the rail trail and Chambers Fort Park. The first five ducks will receive cash prizes ($150, $100, $75, $50 and $25). Souvenir ducks will be issued on derby day to each ticket holder and can be used for discounts at participating downtown stores. Buy ducks online at www.chambersburg.org/events, call the chamber of commerce at 717-264-7101 or the day of the event at the derby start or finish.