Community comes together
EVANS CITY — As always, the 28th annual Evans City Oktoberfest brought the community together.
“You usually see a lot of people that you know,” said Sue Vrabely of Forward Township.
The event was Friday, Saturday and Sunday in different locations in the borough. More than 50 vendors filled Wahl Avenue on all three days. The parade was Saturday and a car cruise took place Sunday.
Marlene Domhoff, a member of the event's planning committee, expected about 4,000 people to attend over the three days. She said Saturday is the highest attended day because of the parade.
“That draws more, of course,” Domhoff said.
For the parade this year, the Shriners participated for the first time, careening around Main Street in their tiny cars, which included a couple of mini tractor trailers. Acts performed on the Jackson Street stage, and the traditional all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast was served Saturday at the fire hall.
Domhoff said the event has been so successful for so long because it is one of the largest activities in the borough and because of its variety.
“We just have a lot of things going on,” Domhoff said.
Robin Swank, president of the Evans City Lions Club, manned the club's booth. She said the event is community oriented.
“It's homey. It just speaks of community,” Swank said. “It's just a wonderful way to get together.”
Ali Columbus, 16, of Evans City has been to the event every year for seven years. However, this was the first year she would attend the parade.
“I've heard it's a great parade,” Ali said.
She said the festival gives people a chance to see friends from school while not in school and to be active. She also said the food is good.“It's all local,” Ali said.Sandra Carnahan of Mount Chestnut was a first time vendor. She was manning the booth for her business, Carnahan's Creations, and was selling quilts, blankets, pillows and other homemade items.“Today will be big (for sales),” Carnahan said.Marcy Higel, who was helping out at the Drushel Dairy Farm booth, said the event was a celebration of the community.“How can you not love Evans City?” Higel said.The booth sold gourd and pumpkin items.Higel said last year was a difficult growing year as was this year, but the farm was lucky enough to get a large number of pumpkins to bring to the festival.“Everybody likes the larger pumpkins,” Higel said.Luke Hayden, 7, of Forward Township was a big fan of the festival and the parade. When asked what his favorite part was, he was not too picky.“Everything,” said Luke, who left the parade with a pocketful of candy.
