Tom Coppler and Annie Coppler, 2, fish for a prize during Sunday’s Octoberfest at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Lima. Activities included food, games and prizes, real pony rides, pumpkin painting, kettle corn, cotton candy and face painting. See more photos on LimaOhio.com.
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
LIMA — From pony rides to popcorn, the St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Octoberfest on Sunday afternoon boasted activities for all ages.
Organizers began making plans in February for the first Octoberfest held at the church since 2019.
The initial Octoberfest began in “2000 or 2001,” according to Paul Neff, one of the organizers. The event is held as an “outreach to the community.” Prior to the Octoberfest, Neff said the church held a “Bethlehem Experience,” complete with a census re-enactment and Roman soldiers. After conducting the Bethlehem Experience for more than 10 years, organizers decided to begin Octoberfest.
Jennifer Morgan, chief organizer of the event, expressed gratitude to the sponsors who made the event possible.Sponsors included Walter’s Meat Shop in Wapakoneta, Sam’s Club, Hempy’s Water and Pepsi. She also credited the more than 20 volunteers with making the event a success.
“My four kids got sucked into it,” she said, laughing. “I try to have activities here to get the kids away from electronic games.”
Her daughter, Isabella added, “My mom was doing this today, so I brought my friends (Rhyan Pierce and Evelyn Caprilla). We go to school together at Maplewood (Elementary).”
In addition to pony rides, activities included pumpkin painting, carnival games, a duck pond and a hayride. Hot dogs, bratwursts, cotton candy, popcorn, desserts and beverages were also available.
‘This church has been a part of the community since 1836,” Neff said. “Four German immigrant families founded the church, and the Big Four reunion is held every year (by those families).”
Neff said he is proud of St. Matthew’s heritage, noting that three generations of his family attend the church. He eagerly drove the tractor for those wanting to enjoy a hayride through the St. Matthew’s Cemetery that opened in 1837. Despite the solemn surroundings of the cemetery, the church grounds were full of life on Sunday afternoon.
