Oktoberfest continues throughout weekend
EVANS CITY — Friday morning saw the borough bustling with residents, vendors and visitors all packing into town for this year's 32nd annual Oktoberfest.
The festival, which continues through Sunday, historically draws thousands of people to Evans City to celebrate the town's German heritage.
“We participate pretty much every year,” said John Rogers, representing the Evans City Lions Club at its booth. “This is a great community thing.”
One of the best things about the event, he said, is how it brings together neighbors and borough residents.
“People will come out for lunch and on the way home people will come through here come and eat, bring their families up,” he said. “Tonight, tomorrow night are big days, then we have the car cruise.”
Amid the many booths, vendors are selling everything from homemade crafts and clothes to refreshments.
Evelyn Jurysta of Butler stood at her booth selling crocheted clothes and accessories for children. She's been coming to the event since the early 2000s.
“I love the people I meet, and a lot of the people follow what I make,” she said. “The weather should be nice so let's hope everybody comes.”
Amid the festivities strolls Evans City Oktoberfest's annual announcer Rick Reifenstein.
Reifenstein has been the official festival commentator nearly every year for about 20 years.
“It's a tiring weekend but it's always a lot of fun. I get to talk to a lot of people and that's the whole idea,” he said.
Clad in traditional German attire and microphone in hand, Reifenstein reminds festivalgoers what's going on and what the event is all about.
“I keep a running commentary and anything that's interesting I talk about,” Reifenstein said.
He first got a gig as an event announcer years ago when he worked at Marburger Dairy in Evans City.
“We had a big anniversary thing going on, an open house,” he said. “I had just seen Robin Williams movie 'Good Morning Vietnam,' and that inspired me, and I thought 'I could do that.' And I did it, and it worked out pretty well. It kind of migrated to here and I've been doing it ever since.”
Reifenstein said the event brings the community together at a time when many people go indoors when they can.
“If you haven't seen some your neighbors in a while, this is a good time to,” he said. “It's great for the community that way.”
After Friday night, the festival will pick back up at 7 a.m. Saturday for the Evans City Fire Department's all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, held in the downstairs truck room at the fire hall. Breakfast is $5.
The parade is set for later that morning, with line-up and judging at 10 a.m. on Jefferson Street and the start of the parade set for 11 a.m.
Sunday, the final day of Oktoberfest, will begin at 11 a.m., with the day ending around 4 p.m. with a drawing to take place after the entertainment ends.
