JOSH DAVIS/BAYSIDE GAZETT
The Alte Kumpel Band brings authentic German sounds to Main Street during the annual Oktoberfest celebration in downtown Berlin, last year.

By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(Oct. 11, 2018) Berlin’s annual Oktoberfest, Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., will feature four stages of live music, authentic German food and locally produced beer, along with the celebration of a major historical milestone.

“I always get excited about Oktoberfest each year,” said Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, who helped launch the event several years ago.

“This year is extra-special, because it will also be a celebration of our 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the town,” Wells said. “The town is a lot older than 150, obviously, but this is the official incorporation anniversary.”

Returning are the Alte Kumpel Band, a traditional polka group, which is being sponsored by Burley Oak Brewing Company and will perform near the Atlantic Hotel from 12:30-3:30 p.m.

The Ocean Pines Players will present the popular music of three eras on Artisan’s Green, beginning with “Anything Goes: Music of the 1920s and 1930s” scheduled from 12:30-1:15 p.m., “Sentimental Journey: Hits of the 1940s” from 3:15-4 p.m. and “Happy Days: Journey Through the 1950s” from 4:30-5:15 p.m.

Artisan’s Green is a small area behind Fins Ale House and Raw Bar on Main Street and between the House by Salvaged shop and Go Organic Grocer.

Duffy & Ro, a regional county music and Americana act, are scheduled from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at Fins, and Coastal Patrol, a Baltimore-based acoustic rock duo, will play at 4 p.m. at the Burley Inn Tavern on Pitts Street.

Also scheduled at 4 p.m. is the annual Burley Inn Tavern Cornhole Tournament, with proceeds helping to buy Christmas decorations purchased through the Berlin Main Street program.

Throughout the day, downtown Berlin will be home to a sidewalk sale, Burley Oak beer, and food vendors.

“There will be much more food options this year,” Wells said. “Fins is doing their ‘Oystoberfest’ that day, so they’ll be doing grilled oysters and they’ll also have a full German buffet. Robin [Tomaselli from Baked Dessert Café] will be doing German chocolate cake and pretzels, and the Lions Club will be there.”

Wells added Scales and Tales, the Chincoteague Bay Field Station, Cascading Carlos and others would provide activities for children.

Berlin Mayor Gee Williams is scheduled to speak at 2 p.m. on Artisan’s Green on behalf of the anniversary, and to honor the Berlin Little League baseball and softball all-stars.

The 150th anniversary presentation is sponsored by Atlantic General Hospital, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Wells said “old-fashioned artisans” would be set up on Artisan’s Green.

“Plus, a lot of the farmer’s market vendors will be there, and we’ll have T-shirts available for the first time,” she said.

Free shuttle service from Berlin Intermediate School will be available during the event. Parking is also available at Stephen Decatur Park, on Tripoli Street.

Wells said her goal with Oktoberfest and the anniversary celebration was the same as with all other town-sponsored events.

“I want people to have a good time and to enjoy the day, filled with lots of fun, entertainment, beer and good food,” Wells said.

For more information, visit www.BerlinMainStreet.com.