Throngs come downtown for festive fun
Andrews Downtown was again inundated last weekend with throngs of people eager to celebrate the third annual Oktoberfest.
If everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, then local residents were all Bavarians on Saturday. While there were a few people sporting traditional the German tracht, or dress of dirndls and lederhosen, there were many more feathers in Priener hats than anything as everyone tried to stay shady and cool off from the lingering summer warmth of early fall days.
Festivities started at 11 a.m. out of the gate with local favorite Betty Vaughn & Friends jailhouse-rocking the main stage to a dancing crowd glad to hear some Elvis Presley covers.
The beer & wine garden was packed early with thirsty souls of both the local and tourist varieties, and cheers of Prost could be heard throughout downtown.
Plenty of local vendors were out and about as well plying their wares from woodburnings, soaps and artwork.
Andrews United Methodist Church took the opportunity to hold a rummage and yard sale along with providing baked goodies to be taken home later.
There was a free Kids Zone with bouncy houses provided by AeroJump, along with face painting and Lil Snowie was there to really help cool the kids down.
The Tattered Tartan Pub’s back deck attracted parents, as the kids enjoyed their own distractions.
Fresh off a two-time weekly win of Andrews Idol, Connor Lilley and The Hollerin’ Frogs took the stage for the afternoon’s main stage entertainment, providing a signature bluesy sound for folks enjoying various food truck offerings.
As the heat of day persisted, many folks sought shade in other local businesses, including Hoppy Trout. New owners Corey and Kam Thompson were thrilled to experience their first Oktoberfest as well as premiere their brew of the same name, providing samples to curious passersby.
Andrews VFW Post 7620 sold out of more than 200 brats, serving them alongside their authentic German potato salad.
To finish off the evening, the band got back together, with local musical legends The Twelve-Gauge Persuaders bringing their flare to Main Street.
Last year’s festival brought in an estimated 4,000 attendees. While this year’s numbers have yet to be calculated, the day was well-attended by young and old.
Details: visitandrewsnc.com.