Attendance at last year’s Oktoberfest in Glenville was washed out as Mother Nature rained on the festivities.
“Last year, it was really poor weather and the crowd was really affected,” said James MacFarland, director of operations for Glenville. “This year, we are hopeful for better weather. We have had a great summer so we a optimistic in that regard.”
Organizers may be hoping for clear skies, but they’re better prepared for weather to take a turn for the worst. David Hennel, chairman of the volunteer event committee, said at this year’s event there will be even more tents located outside. Last year helped organizers learn ways to better deal with inclement weather.
“We do have some big tents that will there this year if there is a chance there is not ideal weather,” Hennel said. “We are able to move a lot of the stuff indoors or under cover if there is that chance.”
Although if you ask Hennel, there is no chance bad weather might be looming. His mind is focused on the sun shinning bright, or at least having dry ground.
Oktoberfest will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, from noon to 9 p.m., at the same location at the Richmor Aviation Hangar and surrounding area. The hangar is located at the Schenectady County Airport off Route 50 by the Thomas Corners Fire Department.
Hennel said the first year of the event drew around 5,000 people and he is hoping to top that number. The event committee of 12 has met for nine months to plan the event and almost 100 volunteers will help run it.
“It truly is a little something for everybody,” Hennel said. “I think we have a really good mix of fun stuff for people to do and the opportunity to sit and relax.”
There is a long list of activities at this year’s event, including laser tag, a rock climbing wall, inflatable obstacle course, smoke house safety exhibit and pumpkin and face painting, along with other activities.
“There is a lot more activities for the kids and that was something that people suggested, Hennel said.
The Harvest Area will feature various local vendors and nearby will be the Cruise-In car show featuring classic cars and other eye-catching rides. The first event had more than 100 cars showcased.
The Cruise-In is offered to all vehicles and motorcycles at no cost, but participants are required to arrive between 10:30 and 11 a.m. the day of the event. Anyone interested can register their vehicle by contacting Richard DiCresce, of Enterprise Auto Sales, at 382-0054.
The event, of course, also features of bevy of traditional German food and brew for people to enjoy. Inside the hangar, German bands will perform to entertain people as they eat or relax.
Any money raised at the event, which features free admission, is put back into holding it and to host more features and attractions. The Town of Glenville, Glenville Business Professional Association and Richmor Aviation present Oktoberfest, but there are several sponsors helping fund it.
The event was the brainchild of the town’s Small Business and Economic Development Committee, MacFarland said, which aims to showcase local businesses while providing an entertaining experience.
“It is a free, fun community event that raises the profile of Glenville,” MacFarland said.
Hennel has chaired the event committee for all three years and said he continues working on the festival because he enjoys seeing people coming to it and having a good time.
“It is neighbors actually getting a chance to talk to each other,” he said. “Most people are there long enough for two meals.”
