By Peggy Mackenzie

Fall festival time is here as communities all over the county gather to celebrate the season. Here’s one you won’t want to miss.

Oktoberfest at Montwell Commons on Sunday, Oct. 6, 3 to 7 p.m. in the Gwen Clingman Center in the middle of the Commons. This event was created as a special fall family event with fun and activities for everyone, even the smallest member of your family. As the first annual Oktoberfest at Montwell Commons, the organizers hope to heighten the public’s awareness of the many facilities now in place at the Commons and share with the community an afternoon and evening together enjoying fun-filled activities in downtown Lewisburg.

Running from 3 to 5 p.m., youngsters are invited to join in games and kids contests, face painting and races, like egg on a spoon, and folk dancing with Beth White. Bee hive exhibits and local honey are also on the agenda, and if you have apples you’d like pressed for cider, plan to bring them along for Cliff Baker to crush in his cider press.

Let’s not forget the food … and the beer. Apple cider, pretzels, potato salad, brats, strudel and more are offered, plus four great brews will be on tap. (For brew descriptions, go to montwellcommons.org/special-event).

Then at 5 p.m. the music will kick in featuring Phil Ralston Philharmonic with Susanna Robinson singing sweet harmonies in the October open air. So bring your friends and come dressed for the occasion! Emcee Glenn Singer will present Montwell Commons’ objectives and wishlist and announce children’s contest winners, door prize drawings and best lederhosen, best beer stein, best strudel and best polka dancer(s). Prizes include T-shirts and hats emblazoned with the theme of the event – Oktoberfest at Montwell Commons 2019.

A display of Montwell Commons will feature future plans for the communal areas, including benches, trees and an expanded parking lot. Proceeds from tickets for food, beverages, games, and T-shirts will go to site improvements at Montwell Commons, a 501(c)3 resource managed by volunteers. Additional donations are welcome.

Sponsors and suppliers include WVSOM – event venue; Swift Level – Bratwurst; Allegheny Tees – Shirts, hats; Amy’s Cakes and Cones – Apple Strudel; Greenbrier Printing – Posters, banners, fliers; American Beer Company – Beer supplier

For more information go to montwellcommons.org/special-event.