Taste of Kutztown benefits community by raising a glass
The Kutztown Rotary Club hosts an array of regional wineries, distilleries, craft beer, eateries, artisans and live musicians at the 12th Annual Taste of Kutztown festival at Kutztown Community Park on June 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
“The event brings people together for a fun filled afternoon while supporting many social needs in our region,” said Kutztown Rotarian Kurt Rohrbach, the Taste of Kutztown event coordinator. “You don’t need to participate in the tastings — folks are welcome to walk the park while enjoying the craft and food vendors, and strolling musicians.”
Those of all ages are welcome to stroll through the park to taste a variety of food, find unique items by craft artisans and listen to live music. Those age 21 and older can purchase tickets for unlimited wine, beer, meadery and distillery tastings.
“Many fine local businesses and institutions sponsor the event and in doing so they support the social needs of their community,” said Rohrbach. “The Borough of Kutztown deserves a shout out too because we could not do it without the support of the public works and police departments. Attendees may even get to see the mayor.”
The pandemic impacted the festival as it did to so many other events over the past two years.
“In 2020, we knew we were in trouble when Germany cancelled Octoberfest. We were forced to cancel our event as well. However, the needs of the community do not stop just because fundraising does,” said Rohrbach. “So the Kutztown Rotary Club responded by using its reserves for gifts that were 75% of those in the prior year.”
In 2021, the pandemic continued to have an impact on the Taste of Kutztown.
“As we approached 2021, things were still in doubt. The event requires nine months of planning so we proceeded normally, but with a frugal Pennsylvania German approach to control costs,” he said.
The club also limited ticket sales and vendors to allow for social distancing.
“The result was outstanding. Lines were shorter, people had room to move and it was an even better experience,” said Rohrbach. “We will continue to limit tickets and may not have many remaining to sell at the door.”
The Taste of Kutztown is the Kutztown Rotary Club’s largest fundraising event that supports the majority of the club’s giving.
“Rotary is the world’s largest service organization. The funds raised at Taste of Kutztown are used to support local and regional projects, charities and other service organizations who help to improve people’s lives,” he said. “Occasionally, the Kutztown club joins with other Rotary clubs to tackle a much larger international project, such as providing wells to a recently electrified Dominican town.”
Proceeds from this event go to funding community projects.
“By supporting a broad array of local organizations, which also benefit society, the Rotary Club of Kutztown increases its impact well beyond what we could accomplish alone,” he said. “The 20-plus service projects that the club participates in annually lets us get our hands dirty, but working with other groups magnifies our efforts.”
The Kutztown Rotary Club has members from Kutztown, Topton and the surrounding townships, and that comprises its “community.” Funds raised from the Taste of Kutztown benefit local fire companies, libraries, food banks, homeless shelters, youth learning and activities, anti-drug programs, exchange students, scholarships, animal shelters, community meals, historical societies, the American Red Cross, Burn Prevention Foundation, the Potato Project , Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, to name a few.
The Kutztown Rotary also helps to support global charities and projects including the eradication of polio and Shelter Box Disaster Relief program. Come out and enjoy this fun-filled event and help the Kutztown Rotary Club maximize their charitable contributions.
The club also hosts Farmers Appreciation Night and a Ghost Tour of Kutztown.
Farmers Night has been ongoing since 1938. The Rotary Club and event sponsors provide a meal and entertainment for up to 200 local farmers in recognition of the importance of their vocation in feeding the world.
“This year it will be held outdoors in the Kutztown Rod and Gun Club Pavilion on July 30, another nod to COVID prevention,” said Rohrbach.
The Ghost Tour was first held in October 2021. Originating in the Kutztown Tavern, tour groups visit four haunted locations and learn of ghosts and local history along the way.
“The Kutztown University Paranormal Society helped us out at Old Main as did the (Kutztown Area) Historical Society.”
Last year’s proceeds benefitted the Kutztown Historical Society, whose building was in need of renovation. This year’s event will be held on Oct. 21 and 22.
“We thought about adding another weekend, but it’s just too darn scary,” said Rohrbach.
The 12th Annual Taste of Kutztown festival will be held at Kutztown Community Park on June 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Advance general admission tickets for $35 include a souvenir tasting glass for the event. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the event at the main gate for $45. However, this popular event is expected to sell out and sameday tickets may be limited.
For more vendor and sponsor information and to purchase tickets, visit tasteofkutztown.com.
The Rotary Club of Kutztown meets weekly on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Club Room at the Kutztown Tavern, 272 West Main St. To join the Rotary Club, stop by a Wednesday night meeting or visit www.kutztownrotary. com or the Kutztown Rotary Club Facebook page.