Boardman Rotary Oktoberfest is Sunday

October 1, 2015 at 12:03a.m.

BOARDMAN

Nearly 40 years ago, when the Boardman Rotary Oktoberfestival first started, it was a small event confined to the area immediately surrounding St. James Episcopal Church in Boardman Park.

“The story goes that we had so many people there in those first couple of years that we killed the grass, in a perfect circle around the church,” said Joshua Aikens, co-chairman of the 39th annual Oktoberfestival that takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

“The event just took on a life of its own and continued to grow as the community embraced it,” he said.

This year, the event – which has expanded throughout the park over the years – features 200-plus vendors and 18 concession stands, and is expected to draw roughly 14,000 people.

The event is known as a shopping opportunity, Aikens said, but has grown to mean more than that.

“At 9 a.m. when we open our gates, we have our Oktoberfest diehards who are there, ready to shop,” Aikens said.

“But it becomes about tradition and family, because you have moms and sisters and grandmas and aunts and daughters who make a day of it. They say, ‘This is our day. This is our day that we’re coming to enjoy the Oktoberfestival, but more importantly, we’re going to enjoy each other.’

“It’s just heartwarming. We’re raising money for the community, but also providing this family tradition,” he said.

Some highlights of the event are: the food court, featuring favorites such as Molnar’s cinnamon rolls; a beer tent; and events at the Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre such as the “Stars of Oktoberfestival” singing contest, a martial arts demonstration and a dance performance by Judy Conti Dance Studio.

New this year is the KidZone at Masters Pavilion, hosted by the YMCA of Youngstown.

With two young children of his own, Aikens wanted to add some more kid-friendly entertainment; KidZone features a bounce house, pony rides, a rock-climbing wall and more, free of charge.

There will be limited on-site parking at the park. Aikens recommends visitors take advantage of the free shuttle that will run from the Heart Center off of Southern Boulevard to the park entrance.

For information, visit www.boardmanrotaryoktoberfest.org.