The Greys hit the main stage on State Street from noon - 2 p.m. during Phoenix's first ever Locktoberfest.
PHOENIX, NY – October got a warm welcome as the first day of the month brought residents from the village of Phoenix to their local waterfront to enjoy fall festivities at Phoenix’s first ever “Locktoberfest.”
Expanding on last year’s successful “Phoenix Fall Phestival,” sponsorship from the NYS Canal Corporation helped the event grow and be reintroduced under the new name, “Locktoberfest” running from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Oct 1) for a full day of fun.
Sponsorship for the ever growing event was not in short supply as the NYS Canal Corporation combined with the village of Phoenix, Phoenix Rising, I Love NY, The Great Outdoors RV Superstore, Taste NY, Onondaga Beverage, and the state Department of Agriculture and Markets made the first Phoenix Locktoberfest a great success.
And an “excellent” turn out it was, said Phoenix Police Chief and member of Locktoberfest planning committee, Marty Nerber.
“This definitely surpasses last year’s event,” Nerber said, noting the more than 40 vendors and crafters and more than 20 food vendors available all along State Street and on the Lock island at this year’s Locktoberfest.
To add to the food and fun, live music graced the main stage on State Street throughout the day while Duskees Sports Bar aired the Syracuse football game outside the beer garden that served NYS local beer, wine, and ciders sponsored by Genesee Brewhouse, Onondaga Beverage, and Samuel Adams beer.
Onondaga Beverage also held a 32-man corn hole tournament with paid entry that gave top finishers cash prizes.
Kids games and activities were available at a variety of stations, guests enjoyed performances from Phoenix Martial Arts students and Phoenix marching band, an antique sports car show brought dozens of cars to view, guests were able to pet alpacas from Breezy Meadows Alpacas and get up close and personal with the Clydesdale horses from the local Riverside Ranch, and even tour the historic Lock 1 and drawbridge on the Oswego River.
“We just want to bring people in to see our village by the river and all it has to offer. It’s so beautiful here and we are so proud of our village, we want to share its beauty with everyone,” Nerber said.
Phoenix residents old and new and of all ages showed up to joyfully partake in the activities available to welcome the fall season.
One resident of Phoenix for 74 years said that Locktoberfest is “one of the best things to happen in this village.”
His wife, also a long term resident of the village, said she was glad to see the fall event only growing “bigger and better” specifically fond of the location on State Street as well as the Lock.
New to Phoenix, Tom Lloyd and his family didn’t take long to love their new community.
“We just moved here, but so far we love it. It’s great here, small but really nice,” he said, adding that Locktoberfest was a “great event” for his young children.
Colleen Giddings, another Phoenix resident with four young boys, was excited to take to Locktoberfest for all the fall fun.
“It’s really nice this year, really a vast improvement. There’s a good crowd here, we’re excited of course, it’s beautiful,” she said.
And along with all of the work that was put in to hosting the event, one of the main sponsors intends on using the event to give back to the community even more.
Phoenix Rising, an all-volunteer group consisting of the Phoenix Police Chief, village clerk, and various citizens, will use any money raised at Locktoberfest to give back to the community they serve.
“Last year, we were able to purchase a skating rink but it wasn’t a very ‘good’ winter for skating. The few weekends we were able to host ice skating in the park we had a fire pit, hot chocolate, food vendors, and lights, so hopefully this year will be a better winter for that. From the money this year, we are hoping to sell Christmas trees and make it a little community event, give people something to do this winter,” Nerber explained.
With the conclusion of Locktoberfest, village officials already have their sights set on next year’s fall fun on the Lock.
Locktoberfest allowed guests to take guided tours of the Lock 1 and drawbridge on the Oswego River and also gave guests a full view of the beauitful waterfront in the village of Phoenix.
Guests walked from State Street to Lock Island to enjoy more than 40 craft and sale vendors and more than 20 food vendors.
“The Grey’s” entertained guests of Locktoberfest on the main stage from noon – 2p.m., followed by more live musicians until 10p.m.
State Street transfromed to a fully packed street of vendors, music, food, guests and fun at Phoenix’s Locktoberfest.
Guests climb to the top of the rock wall at Locktoberfest.
Phoenix Police were on hand not only to ensure safety, but also to interact with community residents.
“The Blind Goats” interacts with guests watching as they perform.
Many vendors and activites were available waterfront on Lock Island.
Guests got up close and personal with Clydesdale horses from the local Riverside Ranch.
The Phoenix Fire Department was on hand at Locktoberfest, showing the full contents of ones of their fire engines.
Emily Lloyd, 4, got her face painted by a Phoenix High School student.
Members of the Phoenix schools Class of 2017 ran a dunk tank at Locktoberfest.
A classic car show brought plenty of cars to Phoenix for guests to enjoy.
Guests were able to access Locktoberfest by boat.
Phoenix community basketball held registration and also set up drills and hoops for children to play on during Locktoberfest.
Guests pet alpacas from Breezy Meadows Alpacas.
