SHARON — Decked out in his lederhosen, Gary “Moe’’ Meszaros double-checked a list of  entertainers totaling more than 800 performers.

From there he scanned a list of 40 or so food vendors and, just to be sure, examined the layout where tents, carnival games and stages will be located. There’s no doubt about it — the Bavarian Fun Fest is coming home.  

“I’m looking forward to it. I couldn’t be more excited,’’ said Meszaros, co-founder of Quaker Steak & Lube which is hosting the festival at its downtown Sharon complex.

Rain or shine, the Fun Fest will be held Thursday through Sunday in Sharon after a 20-year hiatus.

During its hey-day the festival drew 100,000 over two extended weekends.

Monsoon rains over both weekends in 1992 resulted in losses for the business. As a result, others were allowed to take over the event which was held at Yankee Lake the following year, Conneaut Lake the next, then finally in Youngstown after which it disappeared.  

After much thought, the festival’s creators, Meszaros and his partner, George “Jig’’ Warren III, decided it was time for its return.

“We want to bring back the old flavor with a couple new twists,’’ Meszaros said.

Capturing a UMPC sponsorship reduced the financial risk of restarting the festival which this time is limited to one long weekend.

“Contrary to what people think, in the past, at best,   we would break even on the festival,’’ Meszaros said.

A number of old favorites will return such as a horse and wagon ride, fireworks on Thursday and Saturday nights along with carnival games. A Polka Catholic mass will be held at the main tent 11 a.m. Sunday, and of course, more than 40 food stands will be scattered around the complex.

Festival grounds will resound each day with polkas and a danceable variety of  ethnic music. Chicken, beef and pork will be served from open-pit barbecues.

And, yes, you will be able to buy beer in plastic jugs as before.

Meszaros said local talent and vendors are participating as much as possible, He credited radio broadcaster Larry Walk for coordinating the selection of musical performers as well as Erme’s Distributing Co., for providing many of the beverages.

Tunch Ilkin, former offensive tackle and now radio voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers will be on hand as the Fest Meister. Events such as a 5K race and a golf tournament will be held. The Fun Fest is promoting the War on Terror Foundation’s bringing the Vietnam Moving Wall to Hermitage.

Updates for the festival’s return include featuring contemporary music in the evenings, craft beers and better potties.

“We’re going to have air conditioned restrooms for the ladies,’’ Meszaros said. “Plus we’ll have 61 different places where the restrooms will be located. We believe we have to take good care of people.’’

Another upgrade is an entertainment as diverse as  the Rudy Detmer American Lumber Jack Show and ’70s rock group The Lovin’ Spoonful.

The main tent will be one-third bigger than before comprising 20,000 square feet — which can handle up to 2,000 visitors. Further, The Lube and Tully’s will be open to handle overflows.

Patrons who need to leave can get their hands stamped which will allow them to return the same day.

Entrance cost: $7 for adults, $5 for those age 62 and up and children ages 6 to 12. Children under 6 get in free.

Staffers have undergone security training to help prevent rowdy behavior and those ordering alcoholic beverages will have to provide proof of age.

With a 19-year run here, Meszaros said the festival still has a large following.

“We have friends and family coming in from all parts of the country for this,’’ he said. “My house is full, my sister’s house is full, my neighbor’s  house is full.’’

As to whether the festival will continue next year — that will depend on its success this year.

“This means a lot to me,’’ Meszaros said. “There’s a lot of fond memories. “We want this to be successful enough for it to continue,’’ he said.



Fun Fest hours: Thursday, 2 p.m. to midnight; Friday, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday, noon to 1 a.m.; Sunday, noon to midnight.