Photo by Toni Milbourne.

HARPERS FERRY — Harpers Ferry Parks and Recreation Commission will offer the town’s first Oktoberfest this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Town Gazebo at 575 Washington Street.

The idea for the event, according to Parks and Rec Chairperson Pat Morse, came about because the popular Music on the Ridge event scheduled for June was canceled due to all the rain in the area.

“The Parks Commission wanted to hold another music event before the end of the year,” Morse said. “So we came up with the Oktoberfest idea.”

The town had previously sponsored a beer-tasting event in April in conjunction with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Flip Flop Festival. The Oktoberfest event will be similar to that event, according to Morse.

“There will be three beer vendors,” Morse said. “Martin Distributing Company, Jefferson Distributing Company and Reids Distributor, all from Martinsburg, will be on hand. Each of them will feature craft Oktoberfest beers.”

In addition to the beers, food vendors will be on hand as well. The Jefferson High School Gridiron Club will sell bratwurst, sauerkraut and bottled water to raise funds for the school football team. In addition, Rations Cafe in Bolivar will offer pulled barbecue and sodas.

The event, to be held rain or shine, will feature the music of The Fog Band and Lea Morris.

There are several admission options at the event. For a $20 ticket, attendees receive a ceramic beer stein and one pour; for $10, they receive a commemorative glass and one pour. All glasses are 16 ounces. Refills of either will be $5.

All attendees are required to provide identification upon entering and only those 21 or older will receive a green wrist band. All those under 21 will receive red bands.

The Parks and Recreation Commission sponsor a variety of activities throughout the year for those residing in the local area, including Art in the Park and Halloween activities.

The second annual Cookie Walk will be held in December. More information on that event will be available as the holidays get closer.