The 32nd annual Berks County Heritage Festival Oct. 5 and 6 in Bern Township features its traditional treats of sight and sound with an added splash – the return of some popular lumberjacks.
The Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show will feature a skilled troupe showcasing log rolling in pools, according to Cathy Wegener, supervisor of interpretive services for the parks system.
‘This is something our visitors really enjoyed and we are so glad to be able to present this again,’ said Wegener.
The lumberjacks will also demonstrate underhand chopping, crosscut sawing, springboard chopping, chain saw carving, ax throwing and obstacle pole bucking.
Held Oct. 5 and 6at the Berks Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township, the free festival from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. will feature arts and crafts vendors, antique farm equipment, tours of the nearby Hiester Canal Center, the running of the Otto engine in the Gruber Wagon Works, and Berks County agricultural products and exhibits.
Activities set for Saturday, Oct. 5, include an antique auto display (1975 and earlier models), a display from the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, a children’s pedal tractor pull with the Old Time Plow Boys, K’lin Ken’l agility dog and herding demos, and talks at Wertz’s Red Bridge and Melcher’s Grist Mill.
Sunday, Oct. 6, activities include a carriage and wagon show, draft horse driving, pulling and plowing demonstrations, and special features at Canal Center Stage featuring ‘Old Railroad Days Show’ and ‘Songs and Stories of the American Hobo’ with Matt Dodd.
The Wallace Brothers will perform Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Mitch and the Mood Swings scheduled for 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
East Side Dave and the Mountain Folk and the Celtic Martin Family will perform Sunday from 11 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
Held Oct. 5 and 6at the Berks Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township, the festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days. Admission is free. There is a $5 parking fee.
