Since 1810, the fall season of October has been associated with Oktoberfest celebrations that feature great food and great beer and great entertainment. For the first time, Carbon County's can boast of its own countywide Oktoberfest celebration.

Frank Potoczak of Red Castle Brewery and Steve Ohl of R.F. Ohl have meshed their event planning skills to bring Carbon County Oktoberfest to the area on Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19. The two-day family friendly event will be held at the Big Creek Grange, 275 Grange Road, Lehighton.A portion of the event proceeds will benefit Dream Come True - Blue Ridge Chapter.The event opens at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, until 9:30 p.m. and on Saturday, the event opens at noon to 9:30 p.m.Carbon County Oktoberfest follows the true theme of offering great food, beer and entertainment. There will also be an opportunity on Friday to win door prizes worth thousands of dollars."We'll be the most authentic Oktoberfest in the area," said Potoczak. "We'll have seven beers on tap, including one local craft beer, from Red Castle Brewery, brewed in the only microbrewery in Carbon County and four German Oktoberfest style beers and domestic beers. Craft beers are taking the country by storm.""We're celebrating the ethnic roots of Carbon County," said Potoczak. "There is a diverse population of people who settled in Carbon County and we are honoring those people with this festival."There is a one price admission where the beer will be free to those 21 years and older. The first 500 people each day will receive a free commemorative glass mug. There will be beer sampling both days, all day long. There is also a lower priced entertainment only entry.There will be traditional European foods that will enliven your taste buds for the adults, plus great polka-style entertainment, along with horse drawn buggy rides, trick shooting by Wild Bill Pocono and black smith demonstrations. There will also be a VIP cigar tent with authentic Oktoberfest music provided by Lasermedia Entertainment.For the kids there will be daily ride specials, carnival games, free activities and other treats.The entertainment is pure Oktoberfest polka magic. On stage will be Joe Stanky and the Cadets, Happy Jack and the Party Channel Girls from WALN Party Channel and the Legendary Party DJ "The Doc" from Penn's Peak Radio. Also appearing will be Mike Stanley, playing the accordion and Buster the Clown will be entertaining the children.There will be two free fire pits to warm you in between activities.Steve Ohl of R.F, Ohl said he will be raffling off a $7,000 grill with the proceeds to be donated to Dream Come True - Blue Ridge Chapter. Tickets will be available only at the event.Local vendors and crafters will be on site and there is space available for more homemade craft vendors and display vendors.R.F. Ohl will be offering special Oktoberfest pricing on patio furniture from High Wood of Tamaqua.This event features plenty of free parking. Shuttle services will be provided to certain locations.Volunteers are also needed to assist at the event. For information, contact Potoczak at (484) 357-6549. Volunteers receive free food and drinks."This event will get you ready for fall," said Ohl. "The memories of Oktoberfest will keep you warm all winter."Sponsors for the event are: Red Castle Brewery, R.F. Ohl, Loeffler Meats, AJ Lupas Insurance, Blue Mountain Health System, Lehighton Kia, Nationwide Insurance - Kim DePue.Boscov's, Country Inn and Suites, FJ Lesher Construction, Zimmermans Dairy, Ameriprise Financial - Mark Oteri, Hager Furniture, Palmerton Auto Parts, RJ Walker, Pet Store Universe and Dog Guard, Mauch Chunk Bank Trust Company.Volkert Electric, Don's Golf Cart, Lasermedia Entertainment, John DeMatte Chiropractic, Computer Pals, Liberty Auto Glass, Pencor, Dunbar Bottling, Regional EMS and Critical Care, Lignore Carriage Rides, Carbon Builders Association and All Points Towing & Recovery & Service Center.Tickets for the Carbon County Oktoberfest are available at R.F. Ohl, Castle Grill and online at

www.carboncountyoktoberfest.com.