Berlin Harvest Fest is sure to be one finger-lickin’ festival
If you venture into Berlin on Saturday, Sept. 10, you may want to bring your bib and plenty of hand wipes. That’s because it will be time to dig into some finger-lickin’ ribs at the seventh annual Berlin Harvest Festival Parade & Rib Burn-off in downtown Berlin.
Held the first Saturday after Labor Day, Harvest Fest as it is more commonly referred to, can tempt any tummy with the sweet, tangy smell of ribs. Participants in the rib burn-off currently include Farmstead Restaurant, Cindy’s Diner, Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant, Log Cabin Catering and a newcomer to the Harvest Fest, Country Grill. Ribs will be ready for consumption beginning at 10 a.m., and the public is invited to come hungry and dive in to see which ones they like the best.
“You can smell it all over town,” said Joanne Hershberger, Main Street Merchant member. “This is such a fantastic atmosphere, and it isn’t just the ribs. There is so much to do, and what makes it really special is that it still has such a small town feel to it despite the fact that there are so many people here.”
Small town enough to attract the locals, big-time enough to draw tourism, the event has caught on quickly since it was thought up by Commissioner Joe Miller, whom Hershberger credits with planting the idea for the Berlin merchants.
While the ribs take center stage, with the Judge’s Choice award being handed out at noon, it won’t be the only food available. Homemade noodles and dressing, barbecued pork sandwiches, corn on the cob, homemade ice cream, root beer floats, baked goods and even roasted glazed nuts; there is a vast array of foods even for those who don’t like ribs... if such people exist.
But don’t just come for the food, because there are plenty of other activities for both kids and adults. Patrons can sit back and enjoy the easy-listening sounds of some of the area’s finest musicians and entertainers. Johnny Schrock & Friends will kick things off at 11 a.m., followed by the Stockdale Family at 12:15 p.m. Holmes County Bluegrass will take the stage at 1:30, while High Country Bluegrass will perform at 2:45. The group Inspired wraps things up beginning at 4 p.m. The nonstop musical array will take place on the stage at the square.
New this year is a patriotic, hand-sewn quilt, which will be raffled off at 5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased throughout the day for the quilt, which was created in honor and memory of the 10th year anniversary of 9/11. The quilt will be on display at Helping Hands Quilt Shop, where tickets may be purchased.
With so many activities in Amish Country geared toward tourism, the purpose of Harvest Fest was to create something special for the locals that would be entertaining and fun, according to Hershberger. And there is nothing quite like celebrating in the fall in Amish Country.
“There’s something special about this time of the year around here,” said Shasta Mast, executive director at the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. “It’s just crisp and clean, and that in itself is one of the reasons why Harvest Fest has caught on so quickly with both locals and tourists. The corn shocks and pumpkins, the smells of ribs, the relaxed atmosphere, this is just a good, wholesome family event.”
Each of the rib burn-off participants will have a chance to win one of two prizes: An award for being voted the “Judges Choice,” or an award for being tabbed the “Fan Favorite.” A panel of five local “celebrities” will serve as judges on the panel, while the ultimate judges will be the throngs of people who try out the variety of ribs and cast their votes.
“It’s funny, because we have people calling in asking if they can be judges,” said Hershberger with a laugh. “But even if they aren’t chosen as judges, they still have a voice.”
For the second year, the Fan Favorite Award will be won by people voting with quarters. Large jars will be placed at each rib stop, and people can vote for their favorite ribs by placing quarters in the jars. All of the proceeds will go toward Every Woman’s House, a local organization which provides housing and counseling for abused women and children.
“We felt it would do something nice for a local nonprofit organization,” said Hershberger. “Every Woman’s House has done some amazing work in our community, and they are a wonderful place to support. This year they will even have a booth set up in town so people can stop by and see exactly what they do. We are really hoping people get behind the voting this year and bring plenty of quarters.”
Having raised $500 last year, the merchants are hoping to improve on that number this year.
The Judges Choice winner will receive a trophy and $300, while the Fan Favorite will receive a trophy and $200.
While the ribs and other entertainment are wrapping up at around 5 p.m., the night is far from over. In addition to the all-day event, the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce will conduct the chamber parade at 6 p.m., which makes for a perfect ending to the enjoyable day.
Close to 100 parade entries are expected to travel down Main Street, where local businesses, organizations and youth groups will get involved in an old-time tradition that is always plenty of fun. From the local Hiland marching band and fire departments to old tractors and homemade and professionally designed floats, the parade is a fun way to celebrate the success of the local community. What makes it more enjoyable is that it isn’t just Berlin community members, but people from all over Holmes County that comprise the parade, which began as a bicentennial celebration in 2003, but joined forces with Harvest Fest in 2007.
“It’s just a fun celebration of the people in our communities who make us a success,” said Mast. “This is a parade where you get to see your neighbors, family and friends. We’ve got a lot of the old standbys, and some new entries this year, and entries continue to come in, and probably will right up to the last minute.
“It’s a real fun celebration for the whole family, whether you’re from Holmes County or outside of the area.”
Organizations, families, businesses and individuals may still sign up for the parade, and whether you’re just walking, riding a tractor, have a float or simply throwing some hay bales on the back of a pickup truck, everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
Entry forms may be obtained through the website at http://www.holmescountychamber.com, but even without preregistration, entries are welcome to sign up right before the parade, which assembles in the field across from Farmstead Restaurant.
Anyone wishing to get an entry into the parade may contact the chamber at 330-674-3975.
Any organization wishing to join Harvest Fest as a street vendor, or any business or individual from Holmes County that would like to participate in the rib burn-off can contact Hershberger at 330-893-3232.
Held the first Saturday after Labor Day, Harvest Fest as it is more commonly referred to, can tempt any tummy with the sweet, tangy smell of ribs. Participants in the rib burn-off currently include Farmstead Restaurant, Cindy’s Diner, Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant, Log Cabin Catering and a newcomer to the Harvest Fest, Country Grill. Ribs will be ready for consumption beginning at 10 a.m., and the public is invited to come hungry and dive in to see which ones they like the best.
“You can smell it all over town,” said Joanne Hershberger, Main Street Merchant member. “This is such a fantastic atmosphere, and it isn’t just the ribs. There is so much to do, and what makes it really special is that it still has such a small town feel to it despite the fact that there are so many people here.”
Small town enough to attract the locals, big-time enough to draw tourism, the event has caught on quickly since it was thought up by Commissioner Joe Miller, whom Hershberger credits with planting the idea for the Berlin merchants.
While the ribs take center stage, with the Judge’s Choice award being handed out at noon, it won’t be the only food available. Homemade noodles and dressing, barbecued pork sandwiches, corn on the cob, homemade ice cream, root beer floats, baked goods and even roasted glazed nuts; there is a vast array of foods even for those who don’t like ribs... if such people exist.
But don’t just come for the food, because there are plenty of other activities for both kids and adults. Patrons can sit back and enjoy the easy-listening sounds of some of the area’s finest musicians and entertainers. Johnny Schrock & Friends will kick things off at 11 a.m., followed by the Stockdale Family at 12:15 p.m. Holmes County Bluegrass will take the stage at 1:30, while High Country Bluegrass will perform at 2:45. The group Inspired wraps things up beginning at 4 p.m. The nonstop musical array will take place on the stage at the square.
New this year is a patriotic, hand-sewn quilt, which will be raffled off at 5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased throughout the day for the quilt, which was created in honor and memory of the 10th year anniversary of 9/11. The quilt will be on display at Helping Hands Quilt Shop, where tickets may be purchased.
With so many activities in Amish Country geared toward tourism, the purpose of Harvest Fest was to create something special for the locals that would be entertaining and fun, according to Hershberger. And there is nothing quite like celebrating in the fall in Amish Country.
“There’s something special about this time of the year around here,” said Shasta Mast, executive director at the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. “It’s just crisp and clean, and that in itself is one of the reasons why Harvest Fest has caught on so quickly with both locals and tourists. The corn shocks and pumpkins, the smells of ribs, the relaxed atmosphere, this is just a good, wholesome family event.”
Each of the rib burn-off participants will have a chance to win one of two prizes: An award for being voted the “Judges Choice,” or an award for being tabbed the “Fan Favorite.” A panel of five local “celebrities” will serve as judges on the panel, while the ultimate judges will be the throngs of people who try out the variety of ribs and cast their votes.
“It’s funny, because we have people calling in asking if they can be judges,” said Hershberger with a laugh. “But even if they aren’t chosen as judges, they still have a voice.”
For the second year, the Fan Favorite Award will be won by people voting with quarters. Large jars will be placed at each rib stop, and people can vote for their favorite ribs by placing quarters in the jars. All of the proceeds will go toward Every Woman’s House, a local organization which provides housing and counseling for abused women and children.
“We felt it would do something nice for a local nonprofit organization,” said Hershberger. “Every Woman’s House has done some amazing work in our community, and they are a wonderful place to support. This year they will even have a booth set up in town so people can stop by and see exactly what they do. We are really hoping people get behind the voting this year and bring plenty of quarters.”
Having raised $500 last year, the merchants are hoping to improve on that number this year.
The Judges Choice winner will receive a trophy and $300, while the Fan Favorite will receive a trophy and $200.
While the ribs and other entertainment are wrapping up at around 5 p.m., the night is far from over. In addition to the all-day event, the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce will conduct the chamber parade at 6 p.m., which makes for a perfect ending to the enjoyable day.
Close to 100 parade entries are expected to travel down Main Street, where local businesses, organizations and youth groups will get involved in an old-time tradition that is always plenty of fun. From the local Hiland marching band and fire departments to old tractors and homemade and professionally designed floats, the parade is a fun way to celebrate the success of the local community. What makes it more enjoyable is that it isn’t just Berlin community members, but people from all over Holmes County that comprise the parade, which began as a bicentennial celebration in 2003, but joined forces with Harvest Fest in 2007.
“It’s just a fun celebration of the people in our communities who make us a success,” said Mast. “This is a parade where you get to see your neighbors, family and friends. We’ve got a lot of the old standbys, and some new entries this year, and entries continue to come in, and probably will right up to the last minute.
“It’s a real fun celebration for the whole family, whether you’re from Holmes County or outside of the area.”
Organizations, families, businesses and individuals may still sign up for the parade, and whether you’re just walking, riding a tractor, have a float or simply throwing some hay bales on the back of a pickup truck, everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
Entry forms may be obtained through the website at http://www.holmescountychamber.com, but even without preregistration, entries are welcome to sign up right before the parade, which assembles in the field across from Farmstead Restaurant.
Anyone wishing to get an entry into the parade may contact the chamber at 330-674-3975.
Any organization wishing to join Harvest Fest as a street vendor, or any business or individual from Holmes County that would like to participate in the rib burn-off can contact Hershberger at 330-893-3232.
Published: September 1, 2011
