Oktoberfest kicks off at 11 a.m. and will see returning classics, like East Village Tavern’s beer garden, while also welcoming new activities.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
EAST LONGMEADOW — With a chill in the air and pumpkin spice back on the shelves, the fall season is officially in full swing, which means East Longmeadow Recreation and the Rotary Club are gearing up for another Oktoberfest.
The fifth annual Oktoberfest returns for a fifth year on Oct. 10 at Brown Farm, 64 Hampden Road, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event features local vendors, community programming, live music and one of the most prominent parts of an Oktoberfest — a cash-only beer garden from East Village Tavern.
There will be 17 vendors including Hook & Press, Patch’d Perfect, Celtic Dragon Creations and ZeesSoap.
Local organizations will also set up informational tables, such as Totally Adaptive, the East Longmeadow Public Library, the Friends of East Longmeadow Council on Aging, Wait Until 8th and the Historical Commission.
Attendees will also be able to try their hand at axe-throwing or cornhole, and children can soar in a bounce house or decorate pumpkins. Cloverbrook Farms will also provide goats and baby bunnies to snuggle with.
Food options include East Village Tavern, the Rotary Club and the D’s Smokehouse BBQ food truck. Local musician Mary Kate McGrath will be performing live.
The Recreation Commission first brainstormed an idea for Oktoberfest with the intent to do something featuring Brown Farm property.
Recreation Administrative Assistant James Bell said it’s a great event for children and adults, and it seems to get better and better each year.
“It’s definitely circled on most people’s calendar every year,” Bell said. “We see a great number of people show up to this event. This year, we believe that a lot of people are even more excited, just more vendors and stuff for the kids to do, more food.”
Bell said the amount of vendors sets this year apart from other years because of the variety of goods. Axe-throwing is also a new feature.
“People can pay to throw axes in a closed trailer, and I think that’s something that’s very unique and different that we’re offering this year,” Bell said. “People can also take pictures and they can be put in magnets.”
He added he’s most excited for the community to get together and enjoy the event.
“It’s just seeing the community come out, it’s definitely great to see that,” Bell said. “As years go on, more and more people learn about Oktoberfest and they show up.”
There will be parking available on the premises with overflow parking available at Mountain View Elementary School, 77 Hampden Road.
