DOUGLAS - "Fiddle Kids" of Worcester and "Men of Song" will be two of the the featured performances at this years Douglas Octoberfest, October 7, 9-4 on the downtown streets of Douglas. Fiddle Kids, directed by Myra MacLeod, is a
group of spirited young violinists, classically trained, who have an ear for traditiional folk music. The "kids" range in age from 8-14 and offer Celtic fiddle tunes as well as traditional American and Blue Grass music. Fiddle Kids will perform at 11:45 and 1 p.m.
    The Worcester Men of Song is a chorus with a membership of more than one hundred men. The chorus is an affiliated Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) and is
presently the largest chorus in the Northeastern District. The Worcester Men of Song is celebrating its golden anniversary of  organized barbershop singing in the Worcester
County area. Even though there are a number of nearby Chapters, the Worcester Chapter has 42 neighboring communities represented on its membership roster. The residential diversity of the roster is as varied as the demographics of the group itself, but the men all share one common objective... harmony through song.
       Also, heading the line-up of entertainment this year is Jericho Road, Gospel and Blue Grass; the Douglas High School Band and Chorus; JoAnn Warren Dancers; Dance Sensations; and Sam Bowen with his blues band.
    Street entertainment includes Henry the Juggler, Spirit Central Cheerleaders,
Jungle Encounters Wildlife Education, a Robotics demonstration and a special Doll Carriage and Bike parade at 1:30.
    The Blackstone Valley Bar and Grill will offer traditional German cuisine in the parking area of the restaurant.
    The Blessing of the Day will be led by Fire Chaplain, Anthony R. Surozenski, the
Chief Chaplains Aid for the Pastoral Core of Mass Care Fire Chaplains. Chaplain Surozenski served at 9/11. He is being hosted by the Douglas Fire Department and the Douglas Festival Committee to begin the days festivities. Chaplain Surozenski, is the Chaplain for the Webster Fire Department.
 
    The layout for the festival has changed this year to accommodate some technical needs of the program. The event has also been changed as a result of limited volunteer
assistance.
        "We've had to shift some of the locations of rides etc, not only because of electricity needs and safety concerns, but because our small committee needs to have the event be in a manageable area. Folks love this event every year. It helps a lot of non-profits,  but we need more volunteers to keep it functioning at this level, " said Tony St. Pierre, the chairman of the Douglas Festival Committee which produces the yearly Octoberfest program.
        The Doll/Bike parade is replacing the formal parade, usually scheduled for 9 a.m. The High School Band will perform, however, at the 9 a.m. time as usual.  Vendors, volunteers and those interested in registering for the Doll/Bike parade should call 508-476-1211, the main office for the Douglas Octoberfest.
        Childrens rides will be featured on the lawn of the Second Congregational Church. The main stage will be located in the street facing the multitude of vendors that will line main street.  The streets will close at 7:30 a.m. this year to allow the vendors and entertainment to set up on the street.The Second Congregtional Church will host their annual church supper seating at 5:30.  To purchase tickets for the church supper, call 508-476-1613, leaving a message with your name and number of tickets needed. .
 
 

                                 ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

  9:00            High School Band and the Blessing for the Day
  9:30            Jericho Road
10:30            Dance Sensations
11:00            JoAnn Warren Dancers
11:30            Henry the Juggler and Jungle Encounters (tba)
11:45            Fiddle Kids of Worcester
12:30            Douglas High School Chorus
1:00              Fiddle Kids of Worcester
2:00              Men of Song
3:00              Sam Bowen and "Silent Revival Blues Band"
 

Street Entertainment includes:
Jungle Encounters Wildlife Education, time and location tba
Henry the Juggler
Doll Carriage and Bike Parade (forms at 1 p.m., parade at l:30)
Spirit Central Cheerleaders 11:30 and 1
Robotics with Ricky St. Pierre, Blackstone Valley Technical School