By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
The 39th annual Galion Oktoberfest kicked off Thursday afternoon with a street carnival atmosphere with the attraction of food, rides, music, and friends.
The festival which is on Harding Way West from Union Street to Columbus Street was filled with festival goers enjoying the sights, sounds and games of Galion’s fall fest.
Mark Molton brought his family out to the festival to enjoy the amusements.
“We came out for the fun and games,” Molton said.
Molton’s daughter’s Marianna, Azzy, and Anna said they enjoyed the bungee ride the most.
Husband and wife Mike and Melissa Taylor came to the festival for the food that could be found throughout Harding Way West. “The bourbon chicken is all we have tried so far,” Melissa Taylor said.
“She’s hot on the trail of dessert,” Mike added.
Husband and wife Joanne and Harold Traxler attended the festival for the people. “We came because of all the people, lots of people, we run into people we see, and we visit with them.” Joanne said.
“The free advertising helps,” Harold joked. “Besides, this is my wife and she said we had to come.”
Janice Starling came to the Oktoberfest to see one of her favorite bands perform.
“I am a huge John Kennedy fan,” Starling said.
The John Kennedy Orchestra kicked off the main stage acts with their headlining performance as the day gave way to dusk at 6:30 p.m.
Also starting at 6:30 on the second stage was the Semer Brothers. Dave and Ethel Smith along with Joyce Isenberg opened the Christian Gospel stage at 4:30 p.m.
Today the Main Stage will be headlined by Direct Energy at 7 p.m. the second stage will feature Viper, and Get-A-Way, and the Elk Bier Garten will host Local Groove.
A photo gallery of Thursday’s activities at the Oktoberfest is available on the Photo page.