CHESAPEAKE — Dick Gilpin, of the Chesapeake Area Citizens Coalition, says the annual Octoberfest in the village is like a homecoming for many people.

“A lot of people come to see their friends and neighbors who they haven’t seen in a while,” he said.

The group has been organizing the festival, at the village’s Triangle Park for nearly three decades.

This year’s event kicks off with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Gilpin said there are 35 vendors lined up so far, as well as food and inflatables for children.

The group is partnering with the Chesapeake Union Volunteer Fire Department to host the fire prevention parade, which will begin at 11 a.m. that day.

Music and entertainment are scheduled throughout the day.

“We’ll have a new set every 30-45 minutes,” Gilpin said.

Gilpin said Armstrong Cable will also set up a large TV on the site.

“That way, people don’t have to miss the big game,” he said.

Festivities run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and admission is free. However, there is a charge for the inflatables, which Gilpin said will raise funds for the group’s Christmas lights.

Gilpin said money is also raised from vendor registration fees and that those who would like set up a vendor booth can contact him at 740-867-3131, Christa Hunt at C R Style in Chesapeake or Pam Hollar at Brother’s Auto in Huntington.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Gilpin said of the event.” It’s good for families.”