Germany's Oktoberfest to become Leechburg's 'Octoberfest' beer and food festival
Munich’s famous annual Oktoberfest beer festival is the inspiration behind a new event coming to Leechburg.
Sprankle’s Markets will host an inaugural “Octoberfest”-themed beer and food festival Saturday, Oct. 5 on the grounds of Lingrow Farm in Gilpin.
“Our goal is to champion local talent, businesses and organizations to celebrate the wonderful community we all operate in,” said Sprankle’s co-owner and event organizer Doug Sprankle. “We Americanized the name — Octoberfest — and we are excited to bring this new event to the public.”
More than 70 tables will be set up along with a giant tent to accommodate the “hundreds” of attendees who have already bought tickets, said Sprankle, who has attended Oktoberfest in Munich several times. “Munich, Germany, is the biggest party there is. It’s 100 acres of pure beer enjoyment. It’s awesome.
“We wanted to bring that back to Armstrong County.”
A rain or shine event, the barn and grounds at Lingrow will offer food stations, beer stations and live music.
Conny Creek Brewing Co. of Allegheny Township is the exclusive beer sponsor for Octoberfest. It will offer four $5 to $6 brews: IPA, Octoberfest Marzen, a Brewer’s Choice and FestBier.
Lingrow Farm owner Linda Alworth said partnering with Sprankle’s for this event is a win-win for the Leechburg area.
“Thanks to Sprankle’s for bringing an old German tradition, which started in the early 1800s to Lingrow Farm,” Alworth said. “Leechburg is expanding, to bring more fun and adventure to the community.”
Event highlights include a beer tapping ceremony at 12:30 p.m., hourly prize giveaways, live music, a DJ — and plenty of beer drinking. A German-inspired pretzel shop will feature Bavarian pretzels ($6) served with beer mustard and cheese. Bavaria-inspired sandwiches, mac ‘n’ cheese, platters and even pizza will be offered by local vendors Vic & Nicalena’s Wood Fired Pizza, Big Joe’s BBQ, Twisted Thistle Restaurant, Leechburg Rotary and JJ Smokehouse.
Attendees must purchase food items with food tickets. Food vendors won’t accept cash.
“We want folks from all over to come and eat and drink and see our beautiful countryside,” Alworth said.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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