The 2014 Boyertown Pickfest- A Celebration of Americana has grown over the number of years and is now relocating and expanding into the downtown area.
The festival, usually sponsored and held at Frecon Farms orchard, is now donating the event to Building a Better Boyertown and The Colebrookedale Railroad to be used as a fundraiser. The location will now be in the Boyertown Rail Yard on South Washington Ave. and East Philadelphia Ave.
“Hank Frecon initially approached me with the idea to use the railroad. There is such a wonderful tradition of Bluegrass and railroads in their songs that Hank though it would be great to incorporate us,” said Nathaniel Guest, President of the Colebrookedale Railroad Preservation Trust.
Guest added that although the whole railway will not be open for the event, they will be using the open car for a hayride for the event. “I encourage people to see the beauty of the railroad, the line, the craftsmanship and the engineering of such an amazing piece of machinery. I also think it will be great to follow the progress from the beginning with these start up rides through the completion of the whole project,” said Guest.
Adrianne Blank, Manager at Building a Better Boyertown, said that Hank brought up the idea to the board in early spring. “There’s been a lot of behind the scenes planning, several meetings and coordination since then.” Blank also mentions with the help of Rolling Barrel, an event planning company from Philadelphia, that they’ve brought another dynamic to the festival. “We’re really expecting a great turn out, we are reaching so many more people with their help. It’s new and exciting for us, a unique draw that celebrates the true Americana tradition.”
Some local food vendors will be from Sweet Beginnings, CD’s Place, and Hillbilly BBQ. Blank said they are currently looking for crafters and volunteers to help the day of the event for the ticket booth and tables. For those interested in volunteering, contact Adrianne Blank at manager@boyertownpa.org or by phone 610-369-3054 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Other local breweries and wineries include Frecon’s Cidery, The Other Farm Brewing, Sly Fox Brewing, Saucony Creek Brewing, Stonekeep Meadery, and more. According to the Pickfest press release, the Artisan Trail shuttle bus service will run a loop thorough several other stops, including Frecon Farms for Pick-Your-Own apples, the Dancing Tree, Taylor Backes, and more.
Live music all day will be hosted by The Manatawny Creek Ramblers featuring Honey Child, The Bluegrass Co., Caroline Reese, and more.
Tickets are available on www.boyertownpickfest.com and will be available the day of the event for an extra fee. Pickfest will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
