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A big fat festival weekend is coming to the county. And with three different events planned for Germantown, Derwood and Silver Spring, even the most jaded suburbanites may be unable to resist German beer, a Balkan appetizer or a plain old funnel cake. In addition to the calories, organizers are planning loads of activities. After all, who wouldn't want to dig up potatoes in Derwood or folk dance to the music of Zlatne Uste (Golden Lips) in Silver Spring? Even children can learn the art of washing laundry with an old-fashioned scrub board. What's more, if this weekend is already stockpiled with activities, The City of Gaithersburg and the Kentlands Citizens Assembly will host another Oktoberfest the following weekend. Here's the rundown on each festival.
All about the kids
The Agricultural History Farm Park's Harvest Festival in Derwood is unique, contends Grace Yink, festival coordinator. Sure, the annual event will have loads of live music and food, but the festival is designed to give children an opportunity to experience life on a Maryland farm circa 1910. Contemporary children will quickly learn a child's life "was all about doing chores," Yink notes.
They can do the laundry, washboard-style, fetch water from a well and even whitewash a fence. After experiencing a number of chores, prizes will be doled out to the hard workers. It's not all about work and no play; youngsters can examine an old toys display and learn how to make clay marbles.
Yink and her staff may have spent countless creating the children's education-themed activities, but it's the annual potato dig that excites folks, she admits.
With an expected 3,000 visitors, the festival also will feature antique farm equipment, an archaeological dig, gardening talks and demonstrations, hayrides, scarecrow making and a corn maze. Visitors also may tour a newly renovated barn and a partially completed farmhouse.
Crafters will show visitors how to make lace from a bobbin; while a weaver will explain how to transform rabbit hair into yarn. It wouldn't be the olden days without a blacksmith demonstrating the art of ironwork. Master gardeners will be on hand to help participants make mini fragrant bouquets that women carried around before the advent of deodorant and indoor plumbing.
Get up and dance
It may be easy to mispronounce Balktoberfest 2009, but for folk dance enthusiasts – both casual and serious – this is the go-to event of the weekend. Hosted by the World Music Folklife Center, the festival takes place Saturday at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Silver Spring. The third annual event begins quietly enough with volunteers selling Balkan mezze (appetizers) and grilled foods under a large tent from 4 to 6 p.m. Participants will be serenaded by bands as they wander through a Balkan bazaar that sells CDs, crafts and clothing typical of the region. And while this may be relaxing, Balktoberfest founder Bryndyn Weiner insists it's just a precursor to the evening's events inside the church's multipurpose room. With 12 bands performing through the evening, folks are expected to get up and dance. With an emphasis on line and circle dancing, bringing along a willing partner isn't necessary. And better yet, since the folk songs are limited to a handful of dance steps, Weiner assures newcomers they will learn quickly. The New York City-based brass band Zlatne Uste (Golden Lips) will be this year's headliner.
Germantown knows how to party
With some 10,000 visitors expected at Germantown's 27th Oktoberfest, the festival has become uber-licious. And with its Germanic roots, the Alte Kameraden Gerlam Band, the Fairisch und Steierisch Dancers and a Hans and Heidi costume contest will take place on the festival's main stage. But it's not all German all the time. Throughout the day, contemporary dancers and musicians will perform on the community stage, with the African American dance company Soul in Motion first up. David Bayles mixes computerized instrumentation with a live band, followed by J.W. Blake and his band performing classic rock. The Julian Bell Band will be the headliner. Influenced by Jimi Hendrix and John Mayer, the Germantown native's repertoire includes percussive pop and expressive blues.
Scores of craft, food and business vendors will set up tables. The evening will end with a fireworks display. High school teams will compete in the first ever Oktoberfest Futsal double-elimination tournament.
The 27th Germantown Oktoberfest is planned for Saturday, 11 a.m. to dark, at Ridge Road Park, Germantown. Admission and parking are free. For information, visit germantownoktoberfest.org or e-mail hans@germantownoktoberfest.com.
Kentlands kicks off Oktoberfest
The City of Gaithersburg and the Kentlands Citizens Assembly will present the 18th annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, Oct. 11, noon to 4 p.m., at the Kentland Village Green. Horse drawn hayrides, pumpkin painting, Bavarian food and beer and performances by the Alte Kameraden German Band and the Alt-Washingtonia Bavarian dancers are on the agenda. Visitors are encouraged to dress in lederhosen and dirndls. New this year, the Oktoberfest will include a juried fine art and crafts show in the Kentlands Mansion. Admission and parking are free. Wheelchair-accessible shuttle service is available from the GXS Building, 100 Edison Park Drive, near the intersection of Main Street and Route 28 and will run regularly during festival hours. Call 301-258-6350 or visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov.
