by Suzanna Ritz

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Körner’s Folly, the catalogue home built by the innovative artist and designer Jule Körner in 1880, has operated as a historic house museum through the work of the non-profit Körner’s Folly Foundation since 1993. Dedicated to preserving and restoring this unique architectural treasure and local landmark for the education and enjoyment of the public, the organization has a proven record of excellent programs, events, and learning opportunities for a range of ages and interests to explore what life was like in the Victorian period.

On the first Saturday of October for the past 9 years, Körner’s Folly has hosted the Kernersville Oktoberfest, a merry gathering to enjoy local food and beverage in the spirit of a German Oktoberfest. Thanks to sponsorships and community partnerships, this event has grown to over 600 annual attendees and has provided significant financial support for both restoration and educational programming at Körner’s Folly.

This year, for the 10^th Annual Oktoberfest, the realization that the event could not be hosted in the usual fashion on the North Lawn was reached with careful consideration as well as disappointment. But, staff, board, and stakeholders came together to find a creative solution, and the idea of Kernersville Oktoberfest On The Town was born.

Kernersville Oktoberfest On The Town, a month-long celebration of the best local eats and drinks that Kernersville has to offer, encourages participants to support local businesses and Körner’s Folly at the same time. Following guidelines for social distancing, this format allows supporters to enjoy all the deliciousness of a typical Oktoberfest, spread out through the month of October.

Ticket packages are $50 per person and include a special edition 2020 Oktoberfest T-shirt and an Admission Pass for a complimentary tour of Körner’s Folly upon our reopening. In addition, the package includes vouchers for a select draft pour at Kernersville Brewing Company, Gypsy Road Brewing, and the Brewer’s Kettle, Kernersville. These three refreshing drafts are accompanied by vouchers for a jumbo cupcake of your choice at Cake & All Things Yummy, a 3-piece meal at the One-Stop, a hot dog at the Exxon Low Price Mart & the Grill, and $10 off per person from the Oktoberfest Special at The Prescott.

2020 has been a challenging year for small businesses, and local patronage is important for maintaining vitality, diversity, and strength in our community. From perfect potato wedges and decadent desserts to tall frosty ales lovingly brewed by neighborly experts, Kernersville Oktoberfest On the Town is an opportunity to discover new favorites or revisit old haunts.

Kernersville Oktoberfest On the Town tickets are only available online at KornersFolly.org. Ticketholders may choose to use vouchers at their convenience, packing it into one fun-filled weekend, or leisurely throughout the month of October. Vouchers may be used from October 1 – 31, 2020 at participating locations. Each location has various options for outdoor seating, take-out, curbside pickup, and dine-in, details are listed on each voucher. Admission passes may be used at Körner’s Folly upon reopening, and are good for one calendar year.

Although we are saddened to forego the fall carnival atmosphere, the friendly crowds, and the pleasure of wandering blissfully from tent to tent, we believe that this plan is the best for what 2020 has thrown at us. It is our hope that this experience will be safe, promote Kernersville businesses, and reach fundraising goals to continue critical operations at Körner’s Folly.

Körner’s Folly has been closed to the public since March 14, 2020 and will remain closed until North Carolina enters Phase III, per the NC Governor’s executive orders. With revenue and engagement from tours, field trips, and educational programs lost, the staff and board of the Körner’s Folly Foundation have found innovative solutions to stay connected with our community. We have made significant progress in several key areas, including: launching a new website, restoring three historic spaces, and creating a full online catalog of at home crafts and activities. 

For over 140 years, Körner’s Folly has served as a place where imagination becomes inspiration, vision becomes reality, and Jule and Polly Alice Körner’s legacy of hospitality remains a cornerstone of our way of life. By purchasing tickets for this year’s Kernersville Oktoberfest On the Town, we invite the community to join us in helping ensure another 140 years of success.

To purchase tickets, and stay up to date on important information, follow Körner’s Folly on Facebook, Instagram, or check www.KornersFolly.org for regular updates. Email info@kornersfolly.org or call 336.996.7922 with questions.