FORT LORAMIE – It will be a time of celebrating family roots when the Fort Loramie German Heritage Days kicks into full gear Sept. 23-24. Among the musical frolic will be opportunities to learn about the village that was founded in 1837.
The festival will be located in the Canal Park at the intersection of State Routes 66 and 705 in Fort Loramie. Events begin at 4 p.m. on Sept. 23 and 11 a.m. on Sept. 24.
The Fort Loramie Historical Association will have their museum and cabin open at 4 p.m. Friday and noon on Saturday. Historical speaker Greg Shipley will be on hand to share information with visitors on Saturday.
Fort Loramie native Taylor Westerheide with be performing with Rare Form on Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Recently married, Westerheide had been performing locally under her maiden name of Huffman.
She was in the 2013 Country Concert Karaoke finals and opened for the band, Little Big Town.
The band is recently formed and consists of Westerheide, Jay Schulze, Bryant Ahrens and Tyson Bender.
Local singer Mark Cantwil will also perform during the festival. He will appear in the gazebo (weather permitting) on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., organizers report.
According to information on his website at www.markcantwil.com, “His small town roots are the driving force behind the inspiring lyrics and music found on his debut album, ‘Last Chance Johnny’ and sophomore effort ‘Diggin’ On You’. The Americana roots of heavy topics and storytelling are the foundation of Mark’s music and strongly represented on both albums,” it continued.
Cantwil has played with such acts as Sister Hazel, The Bacon Brothers, Chris Knight, John Moreland, Mipso and Molly Hatchet.
The Indianapolis-based Alpine Express Band will perform both days. Together since 1983, the trio has been entertaining crowds with German folk music from the Alps. The group consists of Brian Ahlbrand on drums and guitar, Mike White on trumpet and Norm Gwaltney playing accordion.
The band will perform polkas, waltzes, and conduct a Yodel contest. Certificates and prizes will be awarded to the winners of the contest. They will appear Friday from 8 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.
The Freelance Acoustical Duo will be on stage Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. Recorded music will be supplied by DJ Obie during the weekend. Other events include a stein hoisting contest and a 50/50 drawing.
A wide variety of food stands will be available offering such items as homemade potato soup, German potato salad, German Chocolate Cake and Jaeger Schnitzel with pretzel bun.
The weekend schedule includes:
FRIDAY
• 4 p.m. – Festival opens including DJ Obie.
• 6-8 p.m. – Singer Mark Cantwil in the Gazebo (weather permitting).
• 8 p.m. to midnight – The Alpine Express Band.
SATURDAY
• 11 a.m. – Festival opens including DJ Obie.
• Noon – Fort Loramie Historical Association and cabin open. Historical speaker Greg Shipley will be on hand.
• 1-5 p.m. – Freelance Acoustical Duo.
• 5-9 p.m. – The Alpine Express Band.
• 8:30 p.m. – Stein hoisting contest.
• 9 p.m. to midnight – Taylor Westerheide with Rare Form.
