Berlin Harvest Fest draws crowds with ribs, parade and fireworks

Berlin Harvest Fest Rib Cook-off is a crowd-pleasing event each September, and this past Sept. 5-6 didn’t disappoint the sea of people who turned out on a beautiful weekend to partake in the ribs, huge fireworks display, live music and other cuisines and to support both the Berlin Main Street Merchants' fundraising effort through its raffle and auction and the Holmes County Chamber, which partnered for the grand parade.

Berlin Main Street Merchants President Gary Yoder said it was another great turnout with unending support from many.

"It was just a great weekend for everyone involved,” Yoder said. “Our Friday night turnout was special, and the fireworks display was fantastic. What an absolute highlight. We truly appreciate Sheiyah Market and Steve and Ruth Schlabach for everything they do in funding the fireworks. It was a beautiful evening.”

As for the rib cook-off, 10 Northeast Ohio vendors brought plenty of flavor to the event. The public, which included plenty of visitors from out of state, enjoyed ribs from all the vendors, many of them trying a little taste at each venue.

In the Judge’s Choice contest, Mojo’s Famous BBQ emerged victorious, with Bogey’s Smokin’ BBQ second and Ross Mountain BBQ coming in third. The People’s Choice honor went to Off the Bone BBQ, where people were treated like family prior to and after purchasing their ribs.

Then came the grand parade Saturday at 6 p.m., where more than 100 entrants poured through Main Street in front of a packed house.

“That parade was such a highlight,” Yoder said. “For the people who haven’t been in it before, they make the turn up state Route 62, where we set up and enter this sea of people. It’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before, and it is a real shot of adrenaline because of the sheer number of people lining the street.”

Tiffany Gerber, Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau executive director, said it is always an honor to put together this parade because it takes a major commitment from not just her team, but also from the entirety of Holmes County.

“We were so pleased with the way things went,” Gerber said. “It was just one of those events where it was great people had a good time helping one another get things organized and then being part of something special.”

She said she can’t express enough thanks to her staff that ran things smoothly in her absence. She said they continue to impress her with their willingness to do whatever necessary to make events like this memorable for both the people of Holmes County and those who venture to the area.

She also sang the praises of the Berlin Main Street Merchants, who once again showed an affinity for working together to make the event sizzle.

“The spirit of cooperativeness is incredible,” Gerber said. “I don’t want to say putting together something on this scale is routine, but it has become much easier because the folks putting everything together and many of the folks in the parade know the system and understand what needs to happen. That makes it much easier for all of our volunteers to keep everything on track and running smoothly.”

She said her staff informed her the crowd seemed especially excited with the parade, and it creates an incredible sense of unity every time it takes place.

That includes loads of locals who look forward to the event each year, along with plenty of visitors from outside the area.

At the stage on the square, a group of six friends from Pennsylvania posed for a group photo. Like many, they have made numerous treks to Amish Country but have made Harvest Fest a must-attend event each year.

Yoder said the true blessing comes from providing for local needs through the auction and raffle. He said part of the proceeds went to a local family whose father had passed away unexpectedly while the other half went to Nehemiah Release Time Bible Education, a Bible-based educational program that is now in several East Holmes schools and takes place off school grounds.

Nehemiah has been a recipient the past couple of years, and Yoder said the merchants recognize the value it provides to youth in the communities it serves.

“We as a board understand the value that volunteer organization provides and the passion they display, and we are honored to provide what support we can,” Yoder said. “That’s a program that is making a difference in our young people’s lives.”

For more details visit Berlin Main Street Merchants on Facebook.