Oktoberfest is coming to Myerstown, with a family-friendly and alcohol-free twist

The Elmer C. Ebling Memorial Charity will host its inaugural Oktoberfest, a family-friendly and alcohol-free event, on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, Oct. 11-13, from 2 to 6 p.m. daily, at Myerstown Community Park and Recreation Area, 1 W. Center Ave., Myerstown.

Daniel R. Ebling, president of the Elmer C. Ebling Memorial Charity, spoke with LebTown about the free-admission event that, through each purchase and donation, serves as a fundraiser for the park and future community events.

“We are looking to sort of bring back what many of the residents actually requested. I personally don’t remember it, but there was apparently a fall carnival that was held in Myerstown from the Jaycees,” Ebling said. “And so, we’re trying to bring back that carnival feel but putting a twist on it as like an Oktoberfest event.”

Ebling said the Elmer C. Ebling Memorial Charity’s inaugural Oktoberfest, which has been in the works since the charity’s inaugural Myerstown carnival this past spring, is alcohol-free because the charity’s goal is not to attract people to make revenue on alcohol sales.

Read More: First annual Myerstown carnival scheduled for Memorial Day weekend

Rather, he said, “the charity’s goal is to bring children and families together to cherish the park, and the goal is that having these activities makes kids have good memories in the park and want to keep the park nice, and you know, not vandalize.”

“Over time,” he added in an emailed statement, “they may be inspired to give back, creating a cycle of community pride and hope that carries Elmer’s legacy forward. A legacy built on community.”

While some of the details were still being finalized at the time of the interview, Ebling said the inaugural Oktoberfest will feature a soda bar in the Biergarten complete with birch beer, root beer, orange cream, apple cider, and lemonade. Food trucks will also be on site.

The event will also feature rides and amusements, including a ferris wheel, carousel, and bounce house by Huey’s Amusements. There will also be hayrides, pumpkin painting, games, and music entertainment.

“For the first year, I didn’t want to get over my head with it. I wanted to make sure that it was feasible but at least get the event started, so we can build on it,” Ebling said, adding that he hopes it will become an annual tradition.

Huey’s Amusements estimates the inaugural Myerstown carnival attracted 10,000 carnivalgoers. They expect the inaugural Oktoberfest, which is on a smaller scale and shorter schedule, will attract between 2,000 and 3,000 festivalgoers.

While part of state Route 501 is closed due to the Tulpehocken Creek bridge replacement project, festivalgoers can park in the Myerstown Community Pool’s parking lot, or alternatively, they can drive around the road closed signs to park in the Isaac Meier Homestead’s parking lot.

Ebling invites those interested in volunteering at or serving as a vendor for the inaugural Oktoberfest to visit the event page on the charity’s website, send a message via Facebook, or email him at debling@ecememorial.org for more information.

The inaugural Oktoberfest is made possible with additional set-up and clean-up days and with support from Countryside Fuel and LP Gas of Myerstown, Endless Imprints EVM of Lebanon, and Wenger’s of Myerstown, which is allowing the charity to borrow a tractor and wagon for hayrides at the event.

In addition to event volunteers, the Elmer C. Ebling Memorial Charity is still searching for a board member and five carnival committee members, as its board is currently fulfilling the responsibilities of the committee. Those interested can visit the charity’s website, send a message via Facebook, or email Ebling at debling@ecememorial.org.