EVENT: There’s more than beer at Bramwell’s Oktoberfest
If You Go (and you should): The Bramwell Oktoberfest is Saturday, Oct. 6 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets $12 ($15 at the gate). For more info, including an up-to-date beer listing, go to: www.bramwelloktoberfest.com
Going into its 11th year, The Bramwell Oktoberfest on Oct. 6 is West Virginia’s longest-running beer festival. Some folks in Wayne County may argue that their beloved “Wacohebrecon” event is actually older, but it is really just a recurring (and very entertaining) gathering of homebrewers, hippies and beer geeks. So, I will stick to my proclamation that Bramwell is the grandaddy of “organized” beer events for the Mountain State, once again earning a place in our history books…
The town’s Oktoberfest event was conceived by Bramwell resident, attorney and city treasurer, his “Most Beery” Honor George Sitler. George, along with a dedicated cast of co-organizers, have managed to attract a fairly wide variety of breweries to show up with beer. This is an achievement considering the town’s remote location and very small size. With that said, the turnout always seems pretty decent (weather permitting). I must say that I have very fond memories of many past Bramwell O-fests, even though I have never managed to eke out a 1st place in the (hmmm, non-sanctioned) beer competition.
Put aside all of the beer, food and music and you still have the town itself. Bramwell is a special place. Once the wealthiest town per-
capita in the U.S., this former haven of the “Coal Barons” is now just a quaint village strewn with specialty craft shops amongst Victorian mansions. Being situated between Bluefield and Welch, the town is surrounded by an eclectic mix of abandoned mines, impoverished by-gone coal towns and even a few mines that are still producing.
This historic town is an essential visit for anyone remotely interested in the history of West Virginia and its culture. Why not visit Bramwell when there are free guided tours, live music and beer flowing?
September 27th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
thank you for pointing out the historical significance of the town and region. the industrial revolution was fueled with coal from southern WV. i appreciate the tip of the hat to to King Coal.
September 28th, 2007 at 8:00 am
Oh yes, Bramwell! I won a fist place or 2 in that competition
Folk, it is a beautiful & historic town. A few tidbits. One of the Bed & Breakfasts was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The bank financed the Ambassador’s Golf Course in D.C. I was the 3rd place in the US to get Chanel No. 5(From what I heard).
So, stop bye & visit this town. The Ocktoberfest is a great little get together & with the leaves changing it is truely a site to behold!! The beer is excellent too!!
I’ll see you there!
September 28th, 2007 at 9:08 am
“Fist place”? I think I’ll avoid that, thank you very much.
September 29th, 2007 at 11:31 am
Just a correction: No bed and breakfasts in Bramwell were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Some revisionists have put that inaccuracy on a sign in the yard. The architects for the wonderful structure were DeArmond, Ashmead & Bickley of Philadelphia. To my knowledge, the architectural plans were in the house when the current residents moved in, as they have been through at least three former owners. However, the house is still wonderful and my home town is a lovely place.
October 7th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
I was just quoting the Mayor.