Gather for seasonal events

With bountiful harvests and plenty of picturesque scenery the fall season provides a great opportunity for a cornucopia of festivals.

Among them is the Oktoberfest at Painesville Depot set to take place from noon to 10 p.m. Oct. 13 at 475 Railroad St., home of the Painesville Railroad Museum.

Vice President Tom Pescha said he came up with the idea three years ago as a way to celebrate the season as well as draw interest to the trains and museum.

“I was hoping it would be a nice draw for people,” he said, and added that the Oktoberfests previously held at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Painesville served to inspire him with the plan.

“It’s not a railroadthemed type thing,” he said. “But it brings in different people to visit us. It’s not all trains, trains, trains.”

Though he claims the first outing in 2016 was “modest,” without alcohol or live music, the event still drew a crowd of about 150 people. With the addition of live music and beer in 2017, attendance grew considerably.

Pescha said he’s hoping for an even better turnout this year as word of the festival’s success travels.

Ron Likovic and Friends, a popular area band, will pump out polka tunes for all to enjoy. Attendees are invited to listen and dance to the oompah music from 7 to 10 p.m.

“Ron’s band has a very good following,” Pescha said.

“Everyone enjoyed the music last year and it wasn’t overly loud. He has a good variety of polka music, plus music from the ‘60s and ‘70s.”

Pescha noted that if enough funds can be raised another band will be added.

This year there will be more room for dancers to show off their favorite polka steps as the patio has been enlarged.

Within the last three years more than $45,000 in renovations has taken place at the museum, all completed by volunteers.

Festivalgoers will also have the opportunity to explore the 3,600-square-foot museum and depot which was built in 1893.

A 125th birthday celebration took place in August.

No festival is complete without an array of special food. The Oktoberfest will offer grillcooked German bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad and a choice of German or domestic cold beers. Hamburgers, hot dogs, pop and water also will be available.

With his mother-in-law being of German descent, Pescha said he must ensure that she’s happy with the quality of cuisine.

“It can’t be regular potato salad, it has to be German potato salad,” he said.

A grant received from the Painesville Community Improvement Corporation and contributions from other local businesses have helped with festival expenses.

Cost of admission is $5 per adult, $3 per child (ages 3 to 12 years), or $12 per family (maximum two adults and three children).

Proceeds raised through the Oktoberfest will be used for further restoration of the museum.

For more information visit www.painesvillerailroadmuseum.org.

SUBMITTED The Oktoberfest at Painesville Depot will have its third annual run this year. Live music was added to the fall festivities in 2017 and will also be part of this year’s event.