Shortsville Reindeer Farm will host a German-style Volksmarsch on Sunday, Oct. 4, combining a recreational walk, live music and a picnic fundraiser for the Friends of the Red Jacket Community Library.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ontario County farm. Participants may choose a 5-kilometer route or a shorter 1-mile path through fields and woods.
Walkers can begin at 10 a.m. or start later, provided they finish by 2 p.m. Advance registration is required through the farm's website.
The Krazy Firemen band will perform German oom-pah music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., adding a festival atmosphere at the end of the walking routes.
Locally sourced grilled bratwurst, mustard, pretzels and beer will be available for purchase during the picnic. Hanggi Farms' beverage burros will circulate with nonalcoholic drinks.
The farm's reindeer will be visible to visitors but will not interact with guests during this event, organizers said.
Registration costs $20 per person for ages 3 and older. The fee includes one bratwurst served with locally made mustard.
Organizers said the farm's owners were inspired by their memories of participating in Volksmarsches in Germany. The term generally refers to a noncompetitive community walk designed for participants to enjoy the route at their own pace.
Proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Red Jacket Community Library, which supports library programs and services for the Manchester and Shortsville area.
Registration and additional event information are available at shortsvillereindeer.com.
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