Hinkelfest, Lebanon County’s one and only celebration of the chicken, kicked off last night in Fredericksburg, with LebTown there to commemorate the event.

Read More: Hinkelfest will be held this weekend in Fredericksburg

Longtime event sponsor Bell & Evans is being celebrated this year alongside the event’s namesake bird as the Fredericksburg-based company recognizes its 125th anniversary. Naturally, Bell & Evans products are used in a number of the food offerings available this weekend.

All photos by LebTown photographer Will Trostel.

Read More: Bell & Evans president shares plan for rapid growth at ag summit

Read More: Bell & Evans offers new incentives for farmers transitioning to organic grain

The entertainment lineup kicked off with the Brian Dean Moore Band and The Uptown Band last night. Pentagon will play Saturday, and Elvis tribute artist Jeff Swider takes the stage on Sunday.

Fans enjoying the preformance of the Brian Dean Moore Band during Friday’s event.
Closeup of the Brian Dean More Band during Friday’s set.
John and Linda Stegman, both of Fredericksburg, enjoying the Brian Dean Moore Band.
There’s more than chicken available at Hinkelfest, but don’t get us wrong: There’s a ton of chicken options available. Chicken dinners are also an option starting Saturday and Sunday at 11am.
Fans enjoying the preformance of the Brian Dean Moore Band during Friday’s event.

The Northern Lebanon FFA had a petting zoo open last night from 6-9pm with pony rides also available. The petting zoo and pony rides will also be offered Saturday from 3-8pm.

A petting zoo was also part of the festival. Animals included goats as well as horses.
The petting zoo is located behind the main stage area at Hinkelfest.

What festival is complete without a few carnival rides?

Carnival rides were also featured during the festival. Here, one of many can be seen.
Kids hanging on tight during a ride at Hinkelfest.

The event raises money for five organizations: Matthews Public Library, Fredericksburg Fire Company, The American Legion Auxiliary, Fredericksburg Lions Club, and the Fredericksburg Community Association.

According to Hinkelfest president R. Matthew Brace, the event has raised close to half a million dollars for these organizations. The organization also has a donation page on its website for those who want to show their support but can’t attend in person.

One of many vendors during the event serving up your classic festival foods, and who knows what you might win playing one of the games!
Vendors also took part in the weekend festival. Here, children can be seen partaking in an athletic event provided by the PA National Guard.
Horse drawn wagon rides were also part of the event. They will be offered Saturday night from 6-9pm.
Verl’s Salads can be seen here proudly represented by (from left) Katie, Charley, and Riley Werner volunteering on behalf of the Lebanon County 4-H Goat Club.
A children’s’ tractor pull was also available for young one to enjoy during the event.
Brian Dean Moore Band preforming during the event.
Brian Dean Moore Band preforming during the event.

A significantly expanded craft and vendor show is also setup at this year’s Hinkelfest with a number of different booths available to browse.

Leah Foster of Philadelphia is seen here enjoying her time in Lebanon County at Hinklefest.
A final shoot of the Brian Dean Moore band before we left for the night.

Hinkelfest is being held at Fireman’s Park in Fredericksburg (2652 S Pine Grove St). For a full schedule of events, visit the Hinkelfest website.

Thanks for reading LebTown!
Our stories are free to read thanks to the support of our members and advertisers.

Join LebTown as an annual member and you’ll reserve a mug of your own, plus all the usual benefits!

Learn more and join now here.

Comments

LebTown membership required to comment.

Monthly – $4.99/month
Annual – $49.99/year

Already a member? Login here

Leave a comment

Kindly keep your comments brief and respectful. We will remove comments that do not abide by these simple rules.