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40th annual Rotary Oktoberfestival is this Sunday
By Bruce Walton
BOARDMAN
In 1976, the Boardman Rotary Oktoberfestival began as a small celebration of Boardman Township and its residents in Boardman Park. Four decades later, it’s become a huge one-day event for arts, crafts and entertainment.
The 40th annual festival will include 148 art vendors from five states who sell various drawings, paintings and other forms of arts and crafts.
It also will have approximately 15 food vendors selling their own beers and original dishes.
Joe Ignazio and Ted Thorton are festival co-chairmen.
The Oktoberfestival, which is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, is expected to draw roughly 10,000 to 12,000 visitors, Ignazio said.
The festival has always been a perfect place for shoppers who want to get interesting art or craft pieces, he added.
Ignazio said the event is a mecca for local artists to sell their pieces to visitors and for delicious food and beer at the food court.
The proceeds from the festival go toward different charities including Beatitude House for women and children stricken by poverty or homelessness; local schools; and the Mahoning County Public Library – just to name a few.
“Every penny we make at the Oktoberfest we give out,” Ignazio said.
Some highlights of the event include pottery demonstrations, the food court featuring Molnar’s cinnamon rolls and the performance events at Maag Theatre in Boardman Park for kids. Children can perform and demonstrate their talent, knowledge and skills.
“It’s a good event that we make a good amount of money and we give it all away to the community,” he said.
The festival admission is $3 for adults and children 12 and over.
Parking is free for patrons on the west side of the park through the Southern Boulevard entrance.
Limited off-site parking is also available with a shuttle service from the Heart Center parking lot, located just south of the park.
For information, visit www.boardmanrotaryoktoberfest.org.