Festivalgoers flocked to the opening of the 33rd annual Hinkelfest late Friday afternoon.
Read More: Hinkelfest returns to Fredericksburg for the weekend of Sept. 13-15
For the Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired chicken festival, there was signage placed along Route 343, warning motorists of event traffic ahead. Leading up to the opening of Hinkelfest and coinciding with rush hour on Friday, traffic grew denser on Route 343, especially for those headed northbound.
In front of the main and side entrances to Hinkelfest at Fireman’s Park, 2652 S. Pine Grove St., traffic police directed vehicles entering and exiting the chicken festival as well as those passing through it on Route 343. Motorists accessed the fields situated on the north and south sides of the festival grounds, which were designated for event parking, by entering the main or side entrances.
DJ Doug played a variety of lively tunes on the stage from 4 to 6 p.m. as groups of festivalgoers set up lawn chairs in the gravel seating area in front of the stage. Some members of the crowd were up and dancing to the music, while others chatted or enjoyed the music from their seats.
Then, at 5 p.m., the opening ceremony for this year’s Hinkelfest, which offers free admission and parking, was held in front of the stage. Local Girl Scouts led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Beth Sattizahn, who is involved with United Service Organizations, proceeded with singing the National Anthem and leading a prayer, during which Sattizahn expressed appreciation for Hinkelfest’s volunteers and asked for additional volunteers to help out with the chicken festival in the future.
Throughout the grounds late Friday afternoon, LebTown saw and spoke to several of these volunteers while they worked to finish setting up for the chicken festival and keep things running smoothly.
From left to right: Tammy Reichert and Sandy Bradley at the Hinkelfest food concessions stand. (Lexi Gonzalez) Lisa Rudy, EMT and firefighter with the Fredericksburg Fire Company, at the Hinkelfest beverage stand. She said that the fire company has been helping out with the beverage stand every year. (Lexi Gonzalez) From left to right: Josie Ames, chair of America250PA Lebanon, and Bonnie Loy, America250PA Lebanon committee member. (Lexi Gonzalez) From left to right: Marianne Alford and Robert Mahoski, owner of Mahoski Gourmet Foods. He and his wife, Amy Mahoski (electively out of frame), have operated the business for the past 14 years and are invested in fundraising initiatives, especially those benefiting veterans. (Lexi Gonzalez) David Klimas, Wreaths Across America president and location coordinator. (Lexi Gonzalez) Andrea Dice, Family Karate head instructor. (Lexi Gonzalez) From left to right: Bryan Warner, kitchen manager of Fredericksburg Eagle Hotel; Matt Funck, Fredericksburg Eagle Hotel owner; and Stephanie Franzone, general manager of Fredericksburg Eagle Hotel. (Lexi Gonzalez)
Also, at 5 p.m., the food concessions, the carnival rides and games, the bingo hall, and the craft show opened for the evening. Local for-profit and nonprofit organizations also had tents set up for festivalgoers to peruse.
American Legion Auxiliary Post 915, Fredericksburg Community Association, Fredericksburg Fire Company, Fredericksburg Lions Club, and Matthew’s Public Library are the five organizations that will benefit from the proceeds of the 33rd annual Hinkelfest.
At 6 p.m., the Mahoney Brothers performed on the stage, and the pony rides and petting zoo, which were provided by the Northern Lebanon FFA, opened for the evening.
Scattered throughout the festival grounds was signage for “little peeps” to pose with, as well as festive fall decorations, including hay bales, mums, and pumpkins for festivalgoers to enjoy.
ATM machines, designated dining areas set up with picnic tables, and portable toilets and hand sinks were other amenities available to festivalgoers.
For more information and the comprehensive schedule of this year’s Hinkelfest, which will close at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, click here.
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