Sept. 27, Gardner Field, Acton: The annual West Acton Oktoberfest, sponsored by the West Acton Village Merchants Association (WAVMA), was thronged with people right after the 10:00 a.m. start, as residents of all ages took advantage of the beautiful, early-fall weather. Oktoberfest is a chance for many of Acton’s businesses, clubs, committees, and non-profits to show off their services and wares.
The thirty-odd booths at this year’s Oktoberfest included:
- Local food and drink (including True West and West Side Creamery)
- Pre-schools and after-school programs
- Small businesses such as Idylwilde Farms (produce), and POPP (A-B swag)
- Acton town services such as the Sustainability Office, Acton Police, Commission on Disability, and the library
- Non-profit organizations including The Doli Atamian Campership Fund, Acton Garden Club, Acton Community Dog Park, Acton Family Network, Open Door Theater, and our own Acton Exchange.
The Acton Exchange requested a comment from WAVMA and received the following from Annette Lochrie:
“Once again, the WAVMA Oktoberfest was a resounding success! Participants included infants, toddlers, grade schoolers, high schoolers, and their parents and grandparents! The playground, itself, was put to good use throughout the day, as was the ever popular over-sized Bouncy House. The [event] involved a vibrant and varied group of vendors along, of course, with the food court of five West Acton Village eateries. Folks wandered around, checking out the wares of the vendors, buying and eating food, visiting with neighbors, sitting at picnic tables, and spreading out on blankets on the lawn. Needless to say, the beautiful, warm and sunny day just added to the glory of the event!
“This successful Oktoberfest, which gets bigger and better every year, along with the Holiday Stroll scheduled for December 6, and the Spring Fling scheduled for May 9, is a reflection of the vibrancy of both West Acton Village and the West Acton Village Merchants Association’s always-growing 45 member business community!
“Consistent with its commitment to contribute to its community, WAVMA donated the entire $400 from the Oktoberfest Prize Wheel to the Acton Food Pantry, and the majority of the proceeds from Oktoberfest will go to the Town of Acton’s social worker for distribution to Acton’s needy families over the holidays.”
James Conboy writes about sports and a lot else for the Acton Exchange.
