Oktoberfest Brings Canonsburg Community Together for 15th Year

The Annual Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest is happening in Canonsburg later this month, and the favorite local event is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.

Anita Brecosky, Executive Administrator for the Chamber of Commerce, is this year’s Event Coordinator, and said the long-standing event is a testament to the commitment local people have to the Canonsburg community.

“I think there’s a big commitment to community in Canonsburg,” she said. “Canonsburg people are all about enjoying the area they live in. People who live here are very dedicated to the community and want to see it grow and flourish.”

Oktoberfest is in Downtown Canonsburg on Friday, Sept. 20 from 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 22 from noon to 6 p.m.

Brecosky said dedication to local events is similar in other communities, but she said she’s continually impressed by the amount of resources, work and time people are willing to put into Canonsburg’s Oktoberfest. 

“I’ve always enjoyed going to festivals myself, but sometimes if you’re not from the community you don’t feel comfortable at certain events,” she said. “But here, as soon as you walk through the gate you feel like you’re home. It makes people really appreciate the event and really want to hang onto it.”

New food is part of the festival this year. Brgr Pittsburgh will be serving up gourmet burgers, Bad Azz BBQ will have a booth and Fudgie Wudgie will be there with sweet treats. There will also be new activities for children, including a Dragon Bounce inflatable house.

As in past year, the Brew Contest will highlight the event. This year’s winner is Ken Lawrence from Strabane, whose “CanonsBIERg” name won over judges and was assigned to a previously unnamed beer. The brew will be available at the celebration.

For a full schedule of events, times, and more information about the 2013 Bavarian Oktoberfest, see the Oktoberfest page on the Canonsburg Chamber of Commerce website.