31st Annual Heritage Festival is October 6 & 7

(Berks County, PA)- The 31st Annual Heritage Festival is quickly approaching and this year’s two-day event promises an eclectic mix of displays, demonstrations and entertainment overtaking the sprawling grounds of the Berks County Heritage Center. The festival is set for October 6th and 7th and will feature live music, draft horses, a mule-powered carousel and much, much more. The festival runs from 11:00am to 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday and will be held rain or shine. Admission is free. Patrons will be charged a fee of $5.00 per car to park. The official schedule includes:

Entertainment and activities on both days:

A mule-powered carousel
Arts and craft vendors

Antique farm equipment
Running of the Otto engine in the Gruber Wagon Works (12:15pm, 2:15pm & 3:45pm)

Tours of the Hiester Canal Center, Melcher’s Grist Mill, Mildred the Houseboat and Gruber Wagon Works

History of the Lenni Lenape tribe – with Darius Puff

Berks County agricultural products and exhibits

Children’s games & activities
Wagon rides

Storyteller Karen Terri Ludwig
Tours of “Mildred” the Houseboat

Saturday, October 6th
On Stage:

11:00am-1:30pm – Jalappa All Stars featuring Haley Sheeler

2:00pm-4:30pm – Mesa
Country Western Dancing throughout the day

Exhibits:
Antique Auto display

Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles display

Victorian High Wheelers
Special Demonstrations:

12:30pm-4:00pm - Wahoo Medicine Show & Phydeaux’s Flying Flea Circus with George Esparza

2:00pm - Old Time Plow Boys Children’s Tractor Pedal pull ( Registration required 1:00-1:45; Ages 4-15)

1:30pm & 3:30pm - K-Lin Ken’l Agility Dog Demos

Lectures/Walks:
1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30pm - Red Bridge with Fred Moll

Melcher’s Grist Mill (throughout the day)

Sunday, October 7th
On Stage:

11:00am-1:00pm – The Wallace Brothers Band

1:45pm & 3:15pm – Toad Creek Ramblers

Special Appearances:
Carriage and Wagon show

Draft Horse Demonstrations
11:30am – Plowing

12:45pm – Driving
2:00pm – Horses & wagons obstacle course

3:30pm – Horse pulling exhibition

11:30am, 1:30pm & 3:15pm – Matt Dodd Canal Songs

12:45 – Die Dolpehock Sanger Choir (at the Canal Center)

1:00pm-4:00pm – Wahoo Medicine Show & Phydeaux’s Flying Flea Circus with George Esparza

The Berks County Heritage Center is located on Red Bridge Road in Bern Township, ½ mile south of the Rte. 222 exit for Rte. 183 (1 mile north of the Reading Regional Airport.) For more information or directions, please call 610-374-8839 or visit our website www.countyofberks.com/parks.