Gray skies and scattered showers could not dampen the spirits of hundreds of families that came out for the opening day of Pittsburgh Brewing Co.’s second annual Oktoberfest.
Libations were flowing and attendance was growing Friday afternoon and into the night for the start of the two-day celebration in East Deer’s Creighton neighborhood.
Festivities continue from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday.
“It’s my favorite time of year,” said Maryanne Wesdock of Aspinwall. “I love everything about it: pumpkin spice, the autumn weather. I love Oktoberfest, and I always try to get out and see everything in Pittsburgh.
“This looks like a great event. It’s nice to support our local vendors (and) our local businesses.”
Wesdock and her brother-in-law, Jay Lainey of Punxsutawney, tried samples from Sadie’s Hardtack Candies and perused the 20-plus vendors.
“I’m having a good time,” Lainey said. “We just walked in. (I’m enjoying) the atmosphere and the beer.”
The candy company was started about a decade ago by James and Melanie Armbrust of West Deer to bolster the college fund of their daughter Sadie, a Deer Lakes student.
The couple uses a family recipe from James’ grandmother, Lucy Armbrust, and offers a variety of flavors, including blue raspberry, cinnamon, cherry, tangerine and pumpkin spice.
James Armbrust said the brewing company asked if they would like to participate, and the family welcomed the opportunity.
Other vendors include Aunt Kellie’s Cookies, Vintage Cafe, Gravy Griddle Co., Mia’s Shaved Ice Sugar Rush Bus, Paparazzi Jewelry & Accessories, The Corn Gobbler and Knapp Kins.
Oktoberfest expansion
This marks the second annual German celebration at the brewery on Ferry Street.
About 2,000 people attended last year, when it was held only one day.
Pittsburgh Brewing president Todd Zwicker said they expanded it to two days to allow people more time to enjoy it and local businesses more opportunities to serve potential customers.
They also added a variety of artisans and food vendors for more of a festival feel rather than just a drinking party.
About 700 people were estimated to have attended Friday’s kickoff. About 1,600 people are expected to visit Saturday.
Zwicker said changes were made to provide a more family-friendly experience and have Oktoberfest be closer to the iconic Munich celebration, minus the carnival games and rides.
“It’s hard to mimic Munich,” Zwicker said. “We want to make it as authentic as possible. Pittsburgh Brewing was founded by German immigrants. Our roots are deeply embedded in Germany. We want to support our heritage and support German beer.”
Zwicker was wearing traditional lederhosen passed down from his father, Hollis Zwicker.
“They were made over in Germany. They bought them right after World War II. A lot of family history,” Zwicker said. “That’s the great thing about these events that we do here, specifically the Oktoberfest. It is very community and family-oriented. That’s what we’re trying to do here.
“This isn’t a drink fest. That’s not what we’re after. I think we’re hitting the mark, and we’re going to continue on that path.”
Those arriving get their tickets scanned at the IC Light tent along a metal fence. There, they pick up a commemorative beer stein and a raffle ticket good for one free pour of the Oktoberfest brew.
One of the first drink stations after entering is run by Pittsburgh Brewing bartender Chelsea Fetterman of Kittanning. This is her first year serving at the festival.
“Everybody seems to be having a good time,” Fetterman said. “Everybody comes together, does their dances and just carries on and has a good time. They get to enjoy all the new beers.”
A festival would not be complete without some live entertainment.
Bands such as The Barons and Madel Jager Band played some traditional tunes as well as a variety of musical genres.
Dave Auman of Avalon is a trumpet player with The Barons. They take the stage at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Auman’s wife, Suzanne, is a Bavarian dancer with Alpen Schuhplatter of Teutonia Mannerchor in Pittsburgh’s North Side.
The couple said they love performing at Oktoberfest events across the state and liked what they saw Friday.
“This is Oktoberfest season,” Dave Auman said. “It’s great (here). You get the different food vendors. A nice field here and some tents out. All they need is some carnival rides, and it will be pretty close to Munich.
”It’s a great use of this space. It’s good beer, good food and a good time.”
