Pocomoke City is quickly transitioning from summer to fall events, with a number of fun-filled events scheduled for the next few months, including the 2^nd Annual Pocomoketoberfest, to be held this Saturday. This year marks the second year for the beer and wine festival, a burgeoning event that the Chamber of Commerce hopes to see increase in size each year. Already the event has grown, with more vendors and activities planned for this Saturday’s festival, along with a greater variety of beers and wines.

The 2^nd Annual Pocomoketoberfest will be held in Cypress Park in downtown Pocomoke this Saturday, September 7^th, from noon to 6pm. Cypress Park is located just off Main Street in downtown Pocomoke, across from both the Delmarva Discovery Center and the Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce.  The day will feature a wide variety of activities, including arts and crafts, food, live music, a fine art, jewelry and craft juried competition, and of course, beer and wine.

“The President of the Chamber of Commerce thought that this would be a great event and the board was really behind it, so we went ahead with it last year,” explained Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Rafter. Rafter went on to explain that while last year’s event was unfortunate enough to be held the day before the arrival of Hurricane Sandy, they still had 180 people turn out, despite some pretty heavy winds. “All the people that came out last year had a great time, and from what I’ve heard, most all of them will be coming back this year,” added Rafter. With a much stronger weather forecast for this weekend, Rafter is anticipating a significantly higher turnout of roughly 400 people. Of those people, Rafter added that while a large portion would be local residents, they would also be seeing a number of guests traveling from further away. “There have been a number of people booking at the local Bed and Breakfasts for the event,” Rafter added.

New to this year’s Pocomoketoberfest is the Fine Art, Jewelry and Craft Juried Competition. “It has been like Christmas getting these letters and submissions, so that has been really fun so far,” Rafter said of the vendors who have submitted forms so far. The winner will receive $200, with second place taking home local gift certificates. Vendors will be traveling from all over the Eastern Shore, with several more coming from out of state.

The Scarecrow Contest is also new this year, with area businesses competing for the best in prize. Winners of the contest will take home four tickets to next year’s Pocomoketoberfest. “We will also have cornhole games available this year and we are encouraging people to bring their lawn chairs and blankets so that they can hang out and really spend the whole day enjoying the event.”

As for the main portion of Pocomoketoberfest – the beer and wine festival – 95 percent of the beers and wines are local. Beer available this year include Evolution Craft Brewing, Burley Oak Brewing, 16 Mile Brewery, Dogfish Head, and Tall Tales Brewery. You can also expect to see Fenwick Wine Cellars, Layton’s Chance, St. Michael’s Winery, and Great Shoals. Admission costs $20 in advance and $25 at the door and includes your choice of a complementary wine or beer glass, along with free tastings. Food will also be available, and will be sold by various non-profit groups to raise money for their respective organizations.

Live music will also be held throughout the day, with Heather and Nathan returning this year to play from 1pm to 3pm. Funky T will be playing from 3pm to 6pm. This will be the first Eastern Shore show for the popular, Philadelphia-based band.

Admission is $25 at the door and $20 in advance, with tickets just $5 for non-drinkers and designated drivers. Children are also welcome (accompanied by a parent). Kids pay $5, with no charge for children under the age of 5.

For more information on Saturday’s event, or to purchase tickets ahead of time, please visit:

 http://pocomoke.com/pocomoketoberfest/