The Origins of Lovettsville’s Oktoberfest, by Jean S. Mohler (1976)

“It was felt by the Lovettsville Bicentennial Committee, when planning an activity for the fall of 1976, that since Lovettsville was settled by Germans in the 1730s, it would enrich our celebrations if we used this heritage in making our events as Germanic as possible, including German food, music & customs.   

“Our Committee remembered the Germanic celebration of Oktoberfest.  We voted to have our ‘fest’ in September, the first weekend after Labor Day, because of the October dates of the nearby Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit.  

“We decided to invite Lovettsville artisans and craftspeople, many of whom have been demonstrating their talents at both the Waterford Fair and at the Bluemont Fair.  Why not show off that talent where it originated?  

“German foods, dress & music were to carry out the Oktoberfest theme, and, in addition, the Lovettsville Lions Club offered to provide a barbecue, complete with pigs in roasting pits.

“We of the Lovettsville Bicentennial Committee hope that some of the events planned and carried out for 1976 to celebrate Lovettsville’s history, will be repeated in the years to come, as a continuing reminder of 1776.”

 

Jean S. Mohler 

Lovettsville Bicentennial Committee Chairman

Excerpted from the book “Lovettsville, the German Settlement,” pp. 60- 61.