Ribs, music and more merge at Berlin Harvest Fest

Two decades ago the Berlin Main Street Merchants came up with a grand idea: Why not create a fall festival to bring people into town?

That little idea became a big deal, and now in its 21st year, Berlin Harvest Fest & Rib Cook-off is a beloved weekend. It will take place Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5-6 in Berlin and include ribs, live music, a grand parade, fireworks and more.

Janet Flickinger, director of operations for Berlin Main Street Merchants, said this weekend is one that is cherished by many fans and the merchants who are humbled by the turnout and support from the community every year.

“While this event might be in Berlin, it’s so much more than that,” Flickinger said. “We as merchants love to unite with other communities, and this weekend benefits so many businesses outside of Berlin.

“Harvest Fest is festive, fun and still kind of laid back despite it being so busy in town, but more importantly, it gives us a chance to share our gratitude to those who have supported Berlin and Holmes County. It’s such a feel-good weekend, and the important thing is that we treat everyone who attends in a special way, with great hospitality. Every time people come here, it’s an experience.”

The event began as a one-day affair but grew into a two-day event, adding more as it grew, and Berlin Harvest Fest continues to see support from many individuals and businesses.

This year 10 rib vendors from across Northeast and Central Ohio will set up along Main Street beginning Friday at noon.

“We’ve got some new vendors, both ribs and other food,” Flickinger said. “There’s always great ribs, plenty of sweet treats, tacos, tornado potatoes, doughnuts, coffee and a whole lot more food.”

The rib vendors usually provide plenty of other options and work hard to earn the Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards.

There will be plenty of activities throughout the day including the live music on the square. On Friday bluegrass and Gospel group Liberated will perform from 1:30-4:30 p.m., with 1970s and 1980s music with Ren Rocks taking the stage from 4:45-8:30 p.m. Saturday’s live music includes bluegrass favorite High Country from 12:30-2:45 p.m. and The Dotson Family + 1 performing from 3-6 p.m.

Things kick off Friday at noon and don’t stop until the big finale at dusk, when an enormous fireworks display lights up the night sky, thanks to Sheiyah Market.

“We can’t express enough gratitude to the Schlabach family for putting on such an incredible fireworks display that greatly enhances our weekend,” Flickinger said. “That is certainly a highlight.”

Friday also features a live auction at 7 p.m. featuring more than two dozen different items. As always, the merchants will team up with a pair of local nonprofit entities to support through the proceeds, with this year’s recipients being Nehemiah Release Time Bible Education and the family of Paul Yoder, a young man who passed away leaving behind a wife and four children.

“One of the most important reasons we do this is to be able to support great organizations like these that are making a wonderful impact on many people’s lives, supporting causes we believe in,” Berlin Main Street Merchants President Gary Yoder said. “This whole event is about our community coming together to share and to support one another and to celebrate.”

There will be a host of crafters set up at Sol’s all day both days, Pomerene Hospital Auxiliary will conduct a quilt auction, and author Brandy Gleason will sign her books, “100 Things To Do in Ohio Before You Die” and “100 Things To Do in Amish Country Before You Die,” under the big tent on the main square.

On Friday Deb Schrock will craft balloon figures for the kids, and on Saturday Hiland Music Booster members will do face painting and temporary tattoos for the kids.

Day two will bring back more of the smoky taste of ribs starting at 10 a.m., with the rib judging taking place at 2 p.m. People may vote throughout the two days for the People’s Choice. Winners will be awarded at 4 p.m.

At 4:30 p.m. the raffle drawing will take place, and it all leads up to the grand parade at 6 p.m., capping off two days of fun and food.

“The parade is a slice of Holmes County because we have participants from all over the county representing businesses, organizations and more,” Flickinger said. “It’s such a neat community-oriented thing, and we are thrilled to bring everyone together to celebrate Holmes County and our community.”

For a complete list of auction items and further details of the events and parade registration information, visit www.visitberlinohio.com/berlin-harvest-festival.