CLARKS SUMMIT — Clarks Summit Living Center held its first Oktoberfest Sunday, Oct. 16, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, German food and fall festivities.
Music filled the air as some of the residents and employees danced to polkas. Many kinds of autumn-themed brews, such as apple cider beer, were served by receptionist Patti Cuneo. Housekeeper Kat Visavati served German foods, such as corned beef and sauerkraut wraps, soft pretzels, stuffed mushrooms, and German chocolate cake.
Steve Duda of Brookvalley Farm provided horse-drawn carriage rides around the building, where people saw the foliage of the trees near the lot.
“Everybody loved the carriage rides,” said Sue Chapin, sales director of the center. “They were the highlight of the day.”
Outside the center, there was a bounce house, a fire pit to roast marshmallows, and little pumpkins for them to carve for the children.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” said resident Violet Pace, who enjoyed the carriage rides. “It’s a very good family affair.”
The grandchildren of Gail Ross, the director of Lifestyle 360, came to the event from Nicholson and emptied the insides of pumpkins to make jack-o’-lanterns for a pumpkin carving contest judged by residents Carol Conaboy, Sharon Wade, and Ann Fortuner.
“Even though I had to work, I still got to spend time with them,” Gail said about her grandchildren (Noah, Lilah, and Carter Ross, and Jacob Vangorder). “They also get to learn about their German heritage.”
Residents agreed that the Oktoberfest was a success.
“I think it’s something for everyone,” said resident Jane Nardella. “The weather is beautiful.”
The management team is already planning to have Oktoberfest again next year for the center’s residents.
