German music, stein-holding contest highlight Vandergrift's Oktoberfest

Beer flowed and brats sizzled Saturday during Vandergrift’s first-ever Bavarian-themed craft fair.

Oktoberfest, co-sponsored by Allusion Brewing Co. and the Vandergrift Business Association, transformed portions of Grant and Columbia avenues into a lively celebration complete with authentic German music, dancing and a stein-holding contest.

“We’re hoping to do our best to bring more people to town,” said John Bieranoski, co-owner of Allusion.

In lederhosen and a feathered cap, Bieranoski blended in well with the crowd who gathered to enjoy crafts, food and entertainment.

Sue Wilson of Rural Valley wore a genuine dirndl that she bought on an overseas trip and said it made her feel “like an old Disney princess.

“You put it on and you feel pretty,” Wilson said. “I wear it every chance I get.”

Wilson was one of many gearing up for a stein-holding competition, which pits contestants against each other to see who can last the longest holding a liter of beer straight-armed in front of them.

The borough’s contest is a state qualifier of the U.S. Steinholding Association.

As people browsed the food trucks and craft booths, Pat Septak kept the atmosphere lively with his accordion music. Scheduled later in the day was a performance by the Almrausch Schuhplattlers, a dance troupe from Altoona.

Among the artisans was Karina Buari, of Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood, who brought her handmade waistbeads and embroidered clutch purses for sale.

“I’m Mexican and my husband is African, and I like to expose everyone to different cultures,” Buari said.

Rachel Booker of Ligonier sold her “Three-eyed Eskimo Babies” crafted from fuzzy socks, along with other similar trinkets.

“You know when you lose a sock, well they really just have such a desire for adventure that they are out exploring,” she said.

The 26-year-old launched her business about five years ago with a book of the same name.

Friends Sandy Kline of Allegheny Township and Colleen Elder of New Kensington brought their handmade gnomes to the festival for anyone who likes a little whimsy. There were pointy capped creatures for every season and pastime, from scarecrows and witches to Santas and Steelers-themed gnomes.

The ladies said creating the line gives them a creative outlet.

“We just get together and laugh,” Elder said.

Bieranoski hopes that the event infuses some fun into the already successful lineup of festivals hosted in Vandergrift, he said.

“We think people will like it, and we hope to have it be bigger every year,” he said.