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Taste of Hamburg-er Festival: The East Coast's Leading Hamburger Experience

Hamburg, Pennsylvania, a historic and beautiful example of small town America is ideal for you next late summer family excursion due to its beautiful scenery, fun activities and unique culture.

 

Hamburg was settled in the late 18th Century by German immigrants. You’ll still find many original, preserved buildings that the early residents constructed. History buffs will love locations such as the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum and the downtown business district, which was recently designated as a Nation Historic District due to its historic archtecture. The business district alone has over 50 different historic sites to see. The people take great pride in the history of the townwhile also embracing modern activities, businesses and events.

 

Many of the restored downtown buildings are home to unique shops that sell everything from antiques to apparel. The city also plays host to some great restaurants and bars. A few eating establishments to check out include Russo’s Pizza, Hamburg Diner and Westy Bar & Grill. If you’re looking to take your late summer getaway to a new level of fun, make sure to visit during one of the great community festivals.

 

If you decide to visit PA for your next vacation, be sure to check out our list of Pennsylvania Resorts for your stay. 

 

Heading into their lucky 13th year, the Taste of Hamburg-er Festival is expecting to be bigger and better than ever. This family friendly event is unique because it's one of the most comprehensive hamburger-centric events that you’ll encounter anywhere. In fact, you’ll find 30 different vendors selling an assortment of different burgers and two different competitive burger eating competitions. Live music will be performed by a variety of different acts at multiple stages located throughout the downtown area. There will be games, activities and entertainment just for the kids, so make sure to bring your entire crew along for the fun. With so much to offer, it would be hard to imagine not having a blast at the Taste of Hamburg-er Festival! ResortsandLodges.com got the chance to interview Deena Kershner, Executive Director of the Our Town Foundation, to talk about his great community event.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

DK: This is our 13th year. Last year we had 33 burger stands, 56 artist/crafter stands, 28 miscellaneous food vendors, 23 home-based businesses, and 30 additional business and nonprofit stands. We estimate about 40,000 people attended the event.

 

RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?

DK: This event offers something for everyone. We have kids activities as well as two beer/wine gardens for the adults.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

DK: We block off downtown and host the event in the streets of the downtown business district, rather than a park type setting. We do not allow any other meats to be sold such as chicken, hot dogs, pizza, etc., unless it is part of a burger.

 

RAL: Take me through the activities people can expect at the event.

DK: We have some great activities for attendees to enjoy including:

  • Five stages of non-stop entertainment

  • Professional and amateur burger eating competitions

  • Mooing contest

  • Raffles

  • Kids games and activities

  • Magician

  • Dine and dash foot race

  • Best burger competitions

 

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?

DK: In past years we had the Pennsylvania Beef Ambassador make a presentation on one of the stages as well as the Berks County Dairy Princess

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

DK: We have several local bed and breakfasts within a 30 minute or less drive time. There are also four campgrounds within a 15 minute drive time and one local hotel right in Hamburg.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?  

DK: Absolutely. This is one event that the business owners cherish because it brings so many people into the downtown area. Many mom and pop retail stores claim it is their best day of the year.  It also exposes people to our historic downtown and what we have to offer.  Store owners can also expect a portion of attendees to visit the shopping district again on a later date.

 

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community? (School funds, etc.)  

DK: The events supports the efforts of Our Town Foundation, Hamburg's non-profit community development corporation.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?  

DK: The professional burger eating competition is a big draw. We have as many as 10 professional eaters chowing down Red Robin burgers in eight minutes. Seeing this competition is a memorable experience. The rest of the festival is very entertaining as well, with all the food and entertainment offered, all squeezed into eight hours of time.


For more information about Taste of Hamburg-er Festival, please visit their website.