(Oct. 13, 2016) For what organizers hope is the last time, Snow Hill’s Oktoberfest is scheduled to compete with Berlin’s event this Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. downtown.
“We’re going to try to work it out for next year. We’d like to expand our event a little bit, but would like it to remain kind of a locals’ thing. Berlin makes a big show,” Michael Day, economic development consultant for Snow Hill, and formerly Berlin, said.
Day said this year is only the second time Snow Hill has hosted an Oktoberfest, and the town and organizers were still “feeling their way through it.”
To that end, the town has its bases covered.
The Chamber of Commerce is providing a beer truck, the Harvest Moon Tavern and American Legion post will be serving up German-themed dishes and Frank Nanna’s CowPolkas will be performing.
The weather forecast, at this point, looks agreeable, but if it does happen to rain, Day said, the tables and chairs would be moved into the old firehouse to provide shelter.
Green Street will be closed downtown between Bank and Commerce Streets, and the open container prohibition will be suspended in that area until the event’s end at 3 p.m.
Similar to what was done for the Blessing of the Combines in August, the main gathering space is in front of the old firehouse. The parking lot across the street, where the Farmer’s Market is held, is the staging area for vendors.
“We’re going to have lots of crafts by multiple artists, and will be featuring more than a dozen vendors,” Melisa Weidner, vendor organizer, said. “We’ll have hand-painted signs, jewelry, terrariums and upcycled art. We’re going for an “indie” feel.”
Kids’ activities are planned, Weidner said, but not yet confirmed. She said there would definitely be something for children to do at the event.
“We want something low key, but a lot of fun,” Day said.
During Oktoberfest, the votes will be tallied for the annual scarecrow contest, Day said, and the winner will be announced. Winners are determined by popular vote, and awards are cash prizes derived from entry fees.