ArtOberfest to be held Saturday
PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Art Center will be hosting special events for the final two Saturdays in October.
The second annual ArtOberfest will be 5-10 p.m. Saturday in the 700 block of Market Street in downtown Parkersburg, which will be closed to traffic during the event.
ArtOberfest is a German style arts fair, said Jessie Siefert, managing director of the art center.
Painting, jewelry, pottery, woodblock printing, fiber art and more will be featured at this year’s festival.
“It is a great time to pick up unique, artful gifts,” said Siefert.
Entertainment will include High Schools that Rock at 5 p.m., Steve Hussey Band at 6:45 p.m., OYO Music at 8:30 p.m., and Scott Kitchen’s Oompa Band at 6:15 p.m. and at 8 p.m. There will be food by Parkersburg Brewing Co., Mango Latin Bistro, Q-Wagon BBQ, Unity Cafe and Busy Bee restaurant.
“This is the second year for this event,” said Siefert. “Fingers are crossed for good weather but, if it rains, we will just move the whole festival into the art center.”
The entry fee for this event is a donation to the art center’s programs for children and seniors.
“This event would not be possible with the support of our sponsors, Mickey Welch, The Coffee Bar, Discount Pool Supply, WVU-P, The Dils Center and Artsbridge,” said Artistic Director Abby Hayhurst. “We are also grateful to our partners, Parkersburg Brewing and Main Street PKB. Many thanks to all of them!”
The following weekend, on Oct. 27, the art center will present its “Tales from the PAC” Masquerave Party from 8 p.m.-midnight. Tickets are $20 per person and are available at the art center at Eighth and Market streets or online at parkersburgartcenter.org/masquerave. Tickets will be available at the door.
The event is organized by the Parkersburg Art Center’s Parkersburg Art League, or PAC PAL. During the party, the art center will be transformed into The Crypt! Along with creepy decor there will be music by Premier Productions, costume contests, raffles, food, drink and dancing. The event is for those 21 and over only but funds raised will be going toward the art center’s free Arty Party programs for kids.
“We recommend purchasing your ticket early,” said PAC PAL member Diana Wilson. “Early ticket holders will be entered to win a special, artful prize.”
Another way to get tickets to the Masquerave is to search for the PAC Party Pumpkins. PAC PAL member Kasey Snyder said a pumpkin will be hidden every day starting Monday, with two free tickets to the party.
“Rules are simple: watch our social media for clues, find the party pumpkin, take a selfie, post your pic with the hashtag #PACpartypumpkin and party with us Saturday. The pumpkin is yours to keep,” Snyder said.
Party pumpkins will be hidden from Monday through Oct. 26. Clues can be found on the Parkersburg Art Center’s Facebook page and on Instagram.
Masquerave event sponsors include Premier Productions, the Adams family, Easton Printing and multiple private and small business donations.