Andrews Downtown had a big turnout Saturday for the annual Oktoberfest.
The pet-friendly event brought the young and young at heart out for a full day of festive activities. The skies were blue and the temperature was cool, though the wind was an irritant for vendors. Numerous folks set up in the chilly morning hours, hoping for a good turnout.
Woodworks, Steampunk-like hats, clothing, handmade jewelry, candles, self-defense products and ceramic Christmas trees were all being displayed, as well as lotions, birdhouses, wind chimes and just about everything else.
The Murphy Presbyterian Church was doing a raffle for a 92-by-92-inch quilt to raise money for local missions, including Uganda Shoe Ministries, The Sharing Center, Meals on Wheels, Operation Christmas Child, the Hurlbert-Johnson Friendship House homeless shelter and The Oaks Academy.
Nobody went hungry, with food trucks and vendors serving up good eats like kettle corn, barbecue, Caribbean as well as German food. There were also specialty drinks for kids, beer and wine for adults, and an array of other thirst-quenchers for everyone.
The Cherokee County Food Bank, a project of the Andrews Lions Club, served hot dogs, hamburgers and cold drinks. One visitor to Oktoberfest got emotional when asked how her day was going.
“Everything today was perfect. The weather was perfect, my purchase is frickin’ perfect. I’m so happy, and I’m very emotional. I’ve had such an amazing day,” Christina Jack said.
“Finding this Steampunk hat and being in a place like this has brought back memories, and a lot of love in my heart. I’ve got tears in my eyes right now.”
Glenna Stockton, who was happy to be out at Oktoberfest, said, “It’s wonderful, and I’m enjoying my day.”
Music could be heard throughout the day. Kids were running to and from different activities while laughing.
Laura Ledford with Images Salon was busy putting colored tinsel into hair, while Jeff and Janet Manson with Shop Dog Elves showed folks their handcrafted wooden bowls, candle holders and cutting boards. FernCrest Winery had a line at their booth, as folks were eager to sample different local wines.
The happy local residents and visitors who attended the event give thanks to all the volunteers with the Andrews Chamber of Commerce who made it happen behind the scenes.