Raising a stein to a beloved tradition, Canonsburg’s Oktoberfest returns
Brad Hundt/Observer-Reporter
The snap of autumn air, the clink of glasses, warm greetings among friends and the cheerful strains of oompah music can mean only one thing: The Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest in Canonsburg has arrived.
This year will mark the 27th year of the event which will take place Friday through Sunday. Opening ceremonies, including the tapping of the first barrel of beer, will kick off on Friday at 6 p.m. on the main stage at the intersection of North Central Avenue on Pike Street, according to event coordinator Lonnie Flood.
A brief history
The festival is modeled after the world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, which was first held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
This region’s Oktoberfest originally began in Pittsburgh. “They were going to dissolve it and when people learned about that, they wanted to bring it to Canonsburg,” explained Flood. So, with the help of the Deutsch Amerikanischer Nationalkongress (DANK), the event moved. “Dank helped us for many years,” said Flood.
John Severine, the festival’s co-chair, said that the event, which is always held on the third weekend of September, is expected to draw between 40,000 to 50,000 people.
Crafts, food, entertainment and more
For some, the festival is not only a chance to meet up with friends and family to enjoy the sights and sounds of the popular festival, but to learn more about German culture.
Canonsburg Mayor David Rhome emphasized the festival’s inclusivity.
“The beauty of the event is that so many different nationalities come together to support it,” he said.
It’s also an event that brings people to town where they can learn more about the businesses in the area and shop among the wares of the more than 40 craft vendors that will be scattered about Canonsburg.
More than 17 food vendors will also be there, serving a wide variety of food.
“They’ll be offering a mix of traditional German dishes and familiar American fare,” Flood said.
Those who enjoy beer will find plenty of it at the festival.
“Our premier sponsor, Budd Baer Subaru, will bring their own beer selection made exclusively in Canonsburg,” Flood added.
Two stages will feature music from pop and contemporary bands, to karaoke and traditional German music.
Families will also find a children’s craft area and carnival rides.
According to Flood, Oktoberfest ranks among Canonsburg’s three largest annual events, alongside the borough’s Christmas and Fourth of July celebrations.
Keeping the festival alive
Festival organizers spend many hours to ensure it is executed flawlessly, but more volunteers are needed.
“It keeps growing,” Severine said. “Last year we gained an extra lot so it is now two-and-a-half blocks long and we’re not getting any younger. We need many more people to help out.”
Those who are interested in lending a hand to keep this beloved tradition alive are encouraged to step forward and volunteer to help others make memories that will last long after the last keg is tapped.
Hours for Oktoberfest are from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Interested in volunteering or getting more information on Oktoberfest? Contact the Canonsburg Chamber of Commerce at canonsburgchamber.com.