By Greg Ellison, Staff Writer

(Oct. 19, 2017) Downtown Snow Hill will be enveloped by Bavarian culture during the third annual Oktoberfest this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Unlike last year, Economic Development Consultant Michael Day said this weekend’s German-themed celebration would not coincide with Berlin’s annual event. “We knew we were hitting the same day,” he said. “We want Berlin people to come over and see us.” In similar fashion to previous years, Day said Green Street between Bank and Commerce streets would be closed, providing several blocks for attendees to stroll and, at least during the event, openly consume alcohol in public. Vendors will be set up on Green Street. The town will provide 10×10 vendor spaces at no cost, with set up taking place from 9-10 a.m., Day said. “Bring your own tent and chairs,” he said. Despite the presence of adult beverages, the event will also feature activities for children, including a bouncy house set up in the parking lot across from the old firehouse on Green Street. Frank Nanna’s CowPolkas will get feet tapping with a live performance, including award-winning accordion player, Carole Wolek. “October is her peak season,” he said. “We’re lucky to even have her playing with us.” Additional live music will be provided by acoustic troubadour Nick Haglich, who will perform at ReTag’d Resale Boutique at 108 Pearl Street. Nanna will also oversee the German-style food offerings, with proceeds to support the Worcester County Children’s Theater Workshop. “We will feature handmade bratwurst from a little butcher shop in NYC,” he said. “I have to order it months in advance.” The highly sought after Schaller and Weber Bratwurst are made from a family recipe brought to the U.S. by Ferdinand Schaller, an apprentice sausage maker in Bavaria. Made from a mixture of pork and veal and spiced with nutmeg and marjoram, the traditional German sausage has a mild, but distinctive flavor. “We’ll also have sauerkraut with special Bavarian sauce,” he said. Of course, Oktoberfest wouldn’t be complete without tilting a few steins. One focal point of the event will be the beer truck operated by the Snow Hill Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Lisa Moyer said thirsty patrons could imbibe in a wealth of selections, including Sam Adams Oktoberfest and Double Bach, Dogfish Head Dogtoberfest, and Miller Lite. Saturday’s Oktoberfest will also be last day to cast ballots for the most creative entries in the town’s fifth annual Scarecrow Contest. Voting began earlier this month. “The Scarecrow Contest winners will be announced,” he said. In the event of rain, Day said the festivities would be moved inside the old firehouse. “We won’t get rained out,” he said. Although drawing tourists into town for special occasions is never frowned upon, Day said Saturday’s gathering is targeted at Snow Hill residents. “It’s an event for the town,” he said. “We’re throwing a little party for ourselves.” For more information, call Town Hall at 410-632-2080 or Day at 443-735-0957.