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Third Annual Oktoberfest welcomes fall


Chambersburg is celebrating its 3rd Annual Oktoberfest with a full day of events for the whole family.

The Happy Wanderers, a traditional German band, will be performing in the big tent on the corner of West King and Hood streets.

And, of course, how can there be an Oktoberfest event without beer? But it won't be just any beer, it will be craft beer from the Roy Pitz Brewing Company, which will also supply cider and hard root beer.

German cuisine will be provided by local  vendors and a costume contest, a stein holding competition and other Oktoberfest-related games will echo the theme of the day.

"Oktoberfest is a fun way to support downtown revitalization efforts and the work of Downtown Chambersburg, Inc.," said Noel Purdy, president of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce.

Starting it all off will be a 5K run/walk named in honor of John H. Harmon, former owner of Harmon's Furniture, with the proceeds going to benefit lung research at Hershey Medical Center. Registration starts at 8 a.m. at the King Street Elementary School, 145 E. King Street, and the event gets underway at 10 a.m. This is part of the 2016 Cumberland Valley Race Series. The application for the 5K can be found on-line at http://www.harmon5k.com./

At 11:30 a.m. will be time for the young ones in the Duckie Dash Kids' Fun Run. This race is held on the Rail Trail and does not cross any roads. Applications are available on the day of the race.

The 5K run/walk carries a $25 registration fee; the Kids' Fun Run is free.

If your preferences are more sedate, enjoy a morning at the North Square Farmers Market, 50 N. Main Street, where you can find fresh, seasonal produce from local growers, meats, eggs, cheese, jams, baked goods, gourmet items and flowers. Artists will also be hand and there will be live music. The market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon; it is a project of the Downtown Business Council of Chambersburg.

A kid's play area will available at the Chambers Fort Park (behind Main Street Deli) from noon to 5 p.m. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

For all the kids at heart, the afternoon brings the Duck Derby. Buy one yellow rubber duck or get a "Quack Pack" of six and send them off to face their lot. It starts at 2:30 p.m. at the Park of the Valiant on North Second Street and ends at Chambers Fort Park on North Main Street. There are monetary prizes for the top four winners, and the last duck to show up (better known as "The Stream Cleaner"), also gets a prize.

"We're always looking for fun and creative ways to draw people to the downtown," noted Purdy. "This event has a little bit for everyone."

The day is planned for all ages to enjoy, so gather family and friends at the big tent in the New Texas Lunch Parking Lot.

When you go:

Oktoberfest

noon-5 p.m. Saturday, October 1

New Texas Lunch parking lot,

corner of West Kind and Hood streets, Chambersburg

(Races for adults and youngsters start earlier)

There are fees for various events and food. 

Advance tickets can be purchased for $10 ($5 for those under 21) at business.chambersburg.org/events/register.19688 at the Heritage Center or at the Roy Pitz Brewing Company. 

Tickets the day of the event are $15.

Souvenir mugs will be available while supplies last.