Thursday, September 15, 2005
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
BOARDMAN -- An annual township tradition is set to continue Oct. 2 in the township park.
The 28th annual Boardman Rotary Community Oktoberfest, which attracts about 40,000 visitors each year, runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The township's largest annual community event features about 300 arts and crafts people exhibiting and selling the wares as well as hot air balloon rides, entertainment in the outdoor pavilions and other attractions.
The event will offer two food courts with more than 20 food vendors and seating areas provided nearby. The traditional dessert tent operated by Rotarians and their spouses will be located near the flagpole.
Commercial exhibits and displays by nonprofit organizations will line the midway, and area radio stations will broadcast live from the event.
Admission to Oktoberfest is $3.
Fund raiser
Its a major fund raiser for Boardman Rotary, which contributes more than $60,000 each year to support activities of area charitable organizations.
Special free parking arrangements for fest visitors will be available at Southwoods Commons and the Heart Center, between Southern Boulevard and Market Street. Continuous free shuttle bus service will be provided between Southwoods Commons area and the Oktoberfest throughout the day.
Some U.S. Route 224 merchants will permit parking by fest attendees and some may request donations for various charity organizations.
The organizers
Rotarians Ginny Amstutz, Joe Thomas and Dave Fiffick are co-chairs of this year's event, and Joe Ignazio is club president.
About 40 Rotarians lead more than 20 committees required to plan and present the event, which hasgrown each year since it started in 1978. The club consists of more than 120 members.