Heritage Festival features antique farm equipment, live draft horse pulls

Wertz’s Red Bridge celebrates 150th anniversary

Returning once again to the Berks County Heritage Center is the 36th Annual Heritage Festival. Taking place on Sunday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., this interesting and exciting event provides a unique way for Berks County residents to learn about local history.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the building of Wertz’s “Red” Bridge. Built in 1867, this bridge is the longest single span bridge in Pennsylvania. Local bridge historian Fred Moll will be on hand to offer two talks at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and will lead the cutting of the giant birthday cake at 3:15 p.m.

This one-day event features an abundance of activities including musical entertainment, crafts, displays, demonstrations, great food, and more. Sunday’s activities throughout the day feature a carriage and wagon show; draft horse driving activities; an antique auto display of vehicles 1959 and older; Wahoo Medicine Show and Phydeaux’s Flying Flea circus with George Esparza; Matt Dodd’s historical music programs at the Canal Center at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.; children’s pedal tractor pull coordinated by the Old Time Plow Boys Club at 1:30 p.m.

Over the course of the day, there will be arts and crafts vendors, antique farm equipment, the running of the Otto Engine in the Gruber Wagon Works at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., history of the Lenni Lenape Indians shared by Darius Puff, guitar workshops with Butch Imhoff, and storytelling by Karen Terri Ludwig. Also offered are tours of the Hiester Canal Center, Gruber Wagon Works, and Melcher’s Grist Mill.

This year, entertainment on stage will be provided by Stephanie Grace from 10:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.; Wahoo Medicine Show and Phydeaux’s Flying Flea Circus from 12:45 to 1:10 p.m.; Dr. Witzelsucht and Conlan Kerschner from 1:15 p.m. to 1:35 p.m.; and Uncle Jake and the 18 Wheel Gang from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Carriage and Wagon Awards Presentation at 3 p.m.; with the Wertz’s “Red” Bridge 150th Birthday celebration will be at 3;15 p.m.

Please note that this year our Heritage Festival is only a ONE day event.

Admission to the event is free, although a $5 parking fee is politely requested.

This event is presented by the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department. The Berks County Heritage Center is located at 1102 Red Bridge Road in Bern Township. For more information or directions, contact the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department at 610-374-8839,

SUBMITTED PHOTO This year marks the 150th anniversary of the building of Wertz’s “Red” Bridge. Built in 1867, this bridge is the longest single span bridge in Pennsylvania. Local bridge historian Fred Moll will give two talks.