Beer and cheers were on tap Saturday at Sprankle’s inaugural Octoberfest festival held at Lingrow Farm in Gilpin.
Inspired by Munich’s famous Oktoberfest beer festival, Sprankle’s Markets put their own American twist on their celebration with a modified spelling, “Octoberfest.”
The event continues until 10 p.m.
“Everyone had a great time, the food and beer is on point and it was a great day,” said Sprankle’s co-owner Doug Sprankle. “We wanted to bring Germany to Leechburg.”
Lingrow Farm’s 40 acres and large restored barn more than accommodated the hundreds in attendance. Lingrow owner Linda Alworth said her wedding/event venue is ideal for hosting Octoberfest.
More than 60 tables were set up to accommodate the crowds, and beer maidens kept busy running food and beer to customers.
“We want this event to keep growing and growing,” Alworth said. “We have people here from Ohio and Philly, and it’s only our first year. Leechburg is going to claim Octoberfest, and we want to have this as an annual event.”
Doug Sprankle said the goal of the festival has a local focus.
“We want to champion local talent, organizations and businesses to celebrate the wonderful community we live in,” Sprankle said.
Gilpin native Madalyn Kalmar resides on Pittsburgh’s North Shore and drove up for Octoberfest.
“I love German culture — the food, the beer, and there’s such a sense of comaraderie,” Kalmar said. “I absolutely love this event. The grounds are beautiful, and it just makes for a beautiful day.”
Live music, German food stations, beer from Conny Creek Brewing Co. of Allegheny Township and hourly giveaways were organized by Sprankle’s and local sponsors.
“We are proud to bring this event to Armstrong County,” Sprankle said.
Jack Weber of Altoona attended Munich’s Oktoberfest seven times and wore his lederhosen Saturday.
“I lived in Germany for four years, and this event makes me feel like I am back in Germany,” Weber said. “This absolutely needs to happen every year.”
