RUMFORD – Residents can get a jump-start on their holiday shopping while learning about the many social service and other nonprofit agencies available in the area at the annual Octoberfest on Saturday.
The event, now in its 12th year, is sponsored by the local Rotary Club and Oxford County ARC.
Money raised will support the Rotary’s local scholarship fund and its several national medical causes, and the programs at ARC for people with developmental disabilities.
Nearly 20 crafts people from throughout the River Valley and from as far as Skowhegan and South Portland will offer handmade items ranging from afghans, quilts and jewelry to painted rocks, greeting cards, crystals, dolls, Barbie furniture, paintings and woodcrafts.
One of the event’s major purposes, said ARC Director Joe Sirois, is to get the word out about social services and nonprofit organizations in the River Valley.
Among the dozen or so nonprofits on hand will be the Friends of the Rumford Public Library, the Moontide Water Festival Committee, the River Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Rumford Hospital Auxiliary and the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition
Some of these groups will offer raffles, as well as snacks such as popcorn and fudge. Lunch will be served by the Rotary’s high school group, the Interact Club.
For children, there will be face-painting, “walking vegetables” and a variety of games with small prizes.
ARC’s thrift store, The What Not Shop, located in a portion of the former armory, will be opened throughout the day as well.
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