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Oktoberfest Youngstown localizes at Kravitz Deli
LIBERTY
Gallery
Beer, food and music are the right ingredients for the second annual Oktoberfest Youngstown this weekend.
Scores of people came out to the kickoff Friday night at Kravitz Deli, 3135 Belmont Ave., in Colonial Plaza, to try several German and European delicacies, including stuffed cabbage, grilled bratwurst with kraut and Bavarian Maxwell – potato pancakes stuffed with corned beef.
“We just love the food here,” said Jim Hughes of Hubbard, who attended the festival with his wife, Patrice.
Patrice said it was nice that the event “replicates the nationalities of the Mahoning Valley.”
Last year, the deli had a larger Oktoberfest, with a giant tent taking up some of the plaza’s parking lot space and headline acts, says Jack Kravitz, owner of Kravitz Deli, but about 2,000 people came out in attendance.
At this time, “Liberty can’t support a giant Oktoberfest,” he said, but added that he would love to, eventually, when interest is there.
Instead, he scaled back the event inside the restaurant and localized it. That seemed to resonate well with some people Friday evening.
“I like to support local businesses,” Hughes said, adding that it was nice to have the event inside because of the bad weather.
Kravitz Deli, along with its Jewish roots, continues to expand into territory of other cultures and ethnic groups. He said the kosher catering business enables them to learn about other kinds of food throughout the world.
The deli also premiered its latest invention, the pretzel bagel, mixing German and Jewish cultures.
“Our theory is, the Valley is a diverse place and we have to work together,” he said.
Pete Karsti and Eintracht, an authentic German Dance Band, performed Friday night, wearing lederhosen, or breeches. Staff and others also wore traditional German attire.
The event also was an opportunity to raise money for another special group. Donations were requested for the Autism Society of Ohio – Mahoning Valley.
Aundrea Heschmeyer, a volunteer with the organization, and others were selling 22-ounce mugs for $1. The proceeds go to programs for autistic children in the area. Heschmeyer said such children often may struggle with making friends and are bullied.
“What’s more friendly than Oktoberfest,” she said.