A little bit of German, a lot of county fair to be found at Sprankle’s Octoberfest in Saxonburg
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Yes, you could find beer flowing into waiting steins, polka music drifting through the air and the occasional lederhosen or dirndl darting through the crowds at Sprankle’s Octoberfest in Saxonburg.
But strolling through the fairgrounds Saturday, you would be just as likely to run across a 20-foot python, a rescue turkey on a leash or a Disney princess — all decidedly not German.
In fact, little save for the ale and the accordions are truly Teutonic at this annual three-day festival that honors the real Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
No matter. Whether a true slice of Bavaria in Butler County or merely a marketing ploy meant to attract attendees, the heart of this mash-up — a little bit German, a lot county fair— is in the right place.
“It’s wonderful,” said Emily Troyan, 38, of Penn Township, as a blacksmithing demonstration transfixed her 4-year-old son, Noah. “It’s a nice, big mix of things and people.”
Last year, 25,000 guests agreed. Doug Sprankle, the mastermind behind the event, thinks based on the numbers through midday Saturday, this year’s extravaganza will set a new attendance record with a busy night and full day to go.
“It’s really a way we try to give back,” Sprankle, 36, of Sarver, said as he took a short break from managing the free festival’s hectic schedule.
Sprankle and his family own the Sprankle’s Neighborhood Markets chain, with stores in Saxonburg, Kittanning and Leechburg.
What began as a one-day festival has mushroomed since starting five years ago with 1,400 attendees. For the past few years, blacksmiths like Randy Palluch and Jim Alderson, horse-and-carriage owners like Doreen Blackburn and musicians like accordionist Joe Lege and clarinetist Jackie Hooper have made their way to the party.
“This is the best yet,” said Hooper, 56, of Monroeville, who with Lege plays in The PolkaMeisters.
Judging by the throngs, the public has responded favorably. What’s not to like about free entry, lots of beer, funnel cakes and German music? And pythons.
“It was so weird!” exclaimed Brennan Hodgkiss, 7, of Butler, after his mom, Cheyenne Sloan, let him and older brother Colin, 9, pet Karma the snake.
This year’s addition of Reach Out Reptiles proved to be a savvy move.
People amazed by Karma’s size, chill demeanor and gorgeous coloring — wouldn’t you know it, she’s black and yellow — crowded into the snake space overseen by Garrett Hartle of Sarver, who referred to Sprankle as “the mayor of Saxonburg.”
With the event’s growing popularity, though, this mayor might be a victim of his own success.
Sprankle, who has been to the real Oktoberfest during two trips to Munich, sounded a note of caution: the current location on the grounds of the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Department, is bursting at the seams as the growing festival teems with vendors and booths.
“It’s a good location,” Sprankle said, “but it’s maxed out.”
At the heart of the festival action stands Brittany Lambermont, 30, of Beaver. A Sprankle employee, Lambermont has one main responsibility year-round: planning for Sprankle’s Octoberfest.
She contacts vendors, makes the rounds with nonprofits, keeps on the lookout for new entertainment, such as this year’s debut of Cabot Archery.
“It’s the best,” Lambermont said, her beer stein earrings dangling as strains of “Roll out the Barrel” played in the background.
All around the fairgrounds, there were tongue-in-cheek nods to Germany. A “Bavarian” pretzel stand drew some of the longest lines. Children ventured into “Kinderland.” Old cars were lined up on display at an “Autobahn” car show. Musicians, dancers and barmaids got with the program and donned appropriate garb.
Where better to do it, after all, than Saxonburg, founded in 1832 by two German brothers. In fact, like Sprankle, one of them, John Roebling, met plenty of success himself. A civil engineer, he designed the Brooklyn Bridge.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and includes a scheduled “Dachshund Race and Costume Contest” at 1 p.m.