Rocktoberfest still rocks despite the rain
Despite constant rain most of the day, the Rocktoberfest went on in Lehighton on Sunday in the Lehighton Park as planned. It was a two-day event, with sunny skies attracting large crowds on Saturday. The band Rude Groove plays rock ’n’ roll despite the weather. Members are, from left, Mike Muffley of Lehighton, guitar; Zach Venable of Coaldale, drums; and Daniel Jenkins of Nesquehoning, vocals. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Rain didn’t cause Lehighton’s Rocktoberfest to miss a beat on Sunday.
The two-day event had beautiful weather and large crowds its first day on Saturday, but dealt with low attendance and constant rain on its second day.
This was the fourth annual Rocktoberfest, sponsored by the Lehighton Downtown Initiative. Proceeds benefit breast cancer awareness.’’
The event was held the same day as the town’s annual Halloween Parade on Saturday and large crowds attended. In addition, a Shriner’s car show was an added attraction.
The festival consisted of free music in both the Lower Park and the Upper Park Amphitheater. There also were rides, a beer and wine garden, crafters, vendors, food trucks and even trick-or-treating.
Sunday it rained all day, but the bands performed as scheduled.
Although the attendance was light, spectators watched the bands holding umbrellas or wearing hooded jackets. During the concert by the Mudflaps in the amphitheater, there even was a couple slow dancing despite the rain.
Vocalist Daniel Jenkins of the band Rude Groove said because of the weather, it scaled down on some of its equipment but still played rock ’n’ roll music.
“We make the best out of it,” he said.
The Lehighton Pool Pals had a stand selling platters. Mark Hoffman, president of the Pool Pals, said because of the weather, deliveries of food were made to the nearby Lehighton Hi-Rise.
This is the 10th anniversary of Pool Pals, Hoffman said.
A few of the vendors closed early Sunday afternoon because of the conditions. The operator of the rides began packing them up by 1 p.m. Sunday.
But the music continued as scheduled.
Saturday, in contrast, there were pleasant temperatures under partly cloudy skies and no rain. As a result, the event was packed with people throughout the day.
