After 20 years, Bavarian Fun Fest returns

Staff report

SHARON, PA.

As part of the 40th anniversary celebration of the original Quaker Steak & Lube, the Bavarian Fun Fest will return to downtown Sharon from Thursday through next Sunday.

The Bavarian Fun Fest will be on the grounds of the Quaker Steak & Lube, 101 Chestnut St., which started in 1972 as the Old Express Limited and has since grown into a multi-state chain selling its signature hot wings.

It opens at 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and at noon Saturday and next Sunday. Parking is free. Admission is $7 ($5 for seniors and children).

The Bavarian Fun Fest would attract nearly 100,000 people during its heyday in the late ’80s and early ’90s, and was rated Pennsylvania’s No. 1 festival by the Pennsylvania Festival Association. It was discontinued after 1992.

It is an “old world” style festival that celebrates the traditions of Bavaria and central Europe, from cabbage and strudel to polka bands and ethnic dancers.

Leading the merriment as Festmeister will be Tunch Ilkin, former Pittsburgh Steeler and Steeler network commentator. Ilkin will be on the fest grounds from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday and will lead the opening ceremonies at 6 p.m.

Hundreds of musicians are scheduled to play during the four-day festival, including Hank Haller, Del Sinchak, Jack and Dick Tady, The Mahoning Valley Button Box and Fred Zwich.

They will provide nonstop polka and German music in the main tent. Other styles of music, from Tamburitzan to dance bands, blues and rock n roll, will perform on an outdoor gazebo stage.

The Lovin’ Spoonful, the 1960s folk-pop band, will take the main stage at 9 p.m. Friday. The band’s hits include “Do You Believe in Magic” and “Summer in the City.” Commander Cody, best known for his rendition of “Hot Rod Lincoln,” will perform at 10:30 p.m. next Sunday on the main stage.

Local bands, including the Hern Brothers, Graphic Pink, BonJourney and Grant Street Exit, will play throughout the festival. Strolling novelty acts, arts and crafts demonstrations and lumberjack shows also will be featured. In all, more than 800 performers will entertain.

Food will be sold at dozens of stands and will include German wurst, open pit beef and chicken barbecue, Munich-style pretzels, flaky hot Bavarian strudel, giant funnel cakes and ice- cold beer. Local community organizations will be featuring hand-made pierogi, stuffed cabbage and haluski.

Children can enjoy horse and wagon rides, face painters and magicians.

Local crafters and artisans will demonstrate their skills and turn out one-of-a-kind items in glass, wood and metal. Jewelers, photographers and sculptors will also showcase their items.

Two giant fireworks displays presented by Zambelli Fireworks will be seen over the Fun Fest grounds at 10 p.m. Thursday and next Sunday.