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Follow your ears to the pulsing beat of the tuba, accompanied by frothy beer, sauerkraut and the delighted squeals of children as the residents of Scott Township gathered together this fall for the sixth annual Oktoberfest. The largest community event in the township, Oktoberfest brings all generations together for a full day of food, entertainment and fun for the whole family.
Eileen Meyers, Chairman of Parks and Recreation for Scott Township, created the festival in 2000 as a way to utilize Scott Park. The event has since grown to include the entire space and features donations and participation from over 40 local businesses. In the past few years, Oktoberfest has even trumped Independence Day as the most popular event in the park.
Meyers’ vision for the event was to provide free entertainment for all ages and to bring residents a community event to take pride in. “Our park is our diamond in the rough,” says Meyers. “It’s so nice, and I want to bring the people to it.” Last year, around 400 people enjoyed kielbasa, potato pancakes and apple dumplings with their families.
This year’s festival once again hosted kids of all ages bouncing through giant inflatables, pony rides, a petting zoo, hayrides and kiddy train rides. Local artisans sold their wares at the craft show in the park buildings and pathways, and volunteers guided youngsters through pumpkin painting and other Autumn-themed adventures. Hands-on activities for all ages included painting pre-made ceramics, and several area chiropractors offered massages in the park.
Guests with full stomachs and loose spines then relaxed and enjoyed the highlight of Oktoberfest: the musical entertainment.
This year, garage bands comprised of Chartiers Valley school students performed, along with the Rhythm Kings playing traditional German music.
Perennial crowd favorite, the Alpen Schuhplattlers; a troupe of traditional German dancers, returned this year to add authentic flavor to the festival. Led by Dave and Donna Dickerson, the costumed dancers performed Bavarian dances to the accompaniment of their own accordion players. The group included both adult and child performers (as well as the Dickerson children), encapsulating Meyers’ mission to unite the generations through community events.
Through Meyers’ efforts and the help of volunteers who auction raffle prizes and organize the children’s crafts, Scott Township’s Oktoberfest has grown larger each year. With more volunteer help, future installments of the festival could see a return of the pie-eating contests and potentially expand the event to span an entire weekend.
This year’s Oktoberfest was held on Saturday, October 14 in Scott Park on Lindsey Road from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free and volunteers are welcome! For more information, contact Eileen Myers at 412-279-4003. •
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