The new four-year partnership will run through 2029 and bring the downtown York institution’s support and Maryland crab soup to the festival for the first time.
YORK, Pa. — The York County History Center and White Rose Bar & Grill announced today that one of York’s longest-operating family-owned restaurant and bar will serve as the presenting sponsor of the 52nd Annual Fall Oyster Festival, Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Colonial Complex on North Pershing Avenue between Market and Philadelphia streets in historic downtown York.
Under a four-year agreement, White Rose will provide support for the festival, including adding its signature Maryland crab soup to the Festival menu. The partnership marks the debut of the 93-year-old downtown York restaurant at the History Center’s signature fundraiser, projected to raise $150,000, host 3,000 visitors, and recruit 100 volunteers.
“Having the White Rose Bar & Grill join the Fall Oyster Festival makes too much sense,” said Benjamin Neely, President and CEO of the History Center. “This is a restaurant that has been a Beaver Street anchor for generations. They are literally our neighbors up the street. And their Maryland crab soup reflects how we’ve reimagined this year’s event with new touches while honoring the annual Fall Oyster Festival’s own 52-year history.”
For White Rose Bar & Grill owner Tom Sibol, history isn’t something abstract. It’s personal. Portraits of his parents, Mary and Sonny Sibol, whose legacy remains part of the family restaurant today, hold a place of honor above the fireplace in one of its main dining areas. So, when the opportunity arose to partner with the History Center on one of downtown York’s signature traditions, Sibol said it “was a no-brainer.”
White Rose has been part of York’s story for generations, and we’re proud to partner with the History Center on an event that brings thousands of people downtown to celebrate the food, traditions and community that make York such a special place.
“White Rose has been part of York’s story for generations, and we’re proud to partner with the History Center on an event that brings thousands of people downtown to celebrate the food, traditions and community that make York such a special place,” Sibol said. White Rose Bar & Grill opened in 1933 as the Beaver Inn and has remained in the Sibol family for four generations, now under the leadership of Tom and his wife, Sheila, as well as his two daughters, General Manager Natalie and Human Relations Manager Laura. Located at West Philadelphia and North Beaver streets, one block from the History Center’s front door, the restaurant is a longtime fixture of downtown York’s dining scene.
In addition to White Rose’s famous soup, festivalgoers can choose from an expanded menu, including fall comfort foods and sweet treats, along with wine, craft beer, and live music, all next to a hand-picked selection of artisan makers and local craftspeople. This year’s event also features a Kids Corral with alpacas, print-making and other activities for the whole family, “lightning talks” throughout the day at the History Center Museum, and free admission to the History Center all day, including the “Revolutionary York” exhibit and guided tours of the Colonial Complex.
Along with the White Rose, event sponsors include the W. Dale Brougher Foundation, the Friends of the York County History Center, Fulton Bank, Kinsley Enterprises, Ream Printing, The York Water Company, Barley Snyder, Conte Wealth Advisors, Holla Vodka, HR Healthcare, Susie Ques, Willsbach Distributors, York Tree Family, and more.
Sponsors
Businesses looking to reach thousands of York County residents and visitors in a high-energy, family-friendly setting are invited to explore sponsorship opportunities. Festival sponsorships offer prominent visibility before and during the event, with packages designed to fit a range of budgets and goals. Questions about sponsorships should be directed to Amy Serafino, CFRE, Vice President of Advancement, at aserafino@yorkhistorycenter.org or 717-848-1587 ext. 227.
Volunteers
Behind every great festival is a great crew, and the History Center is looking for community members who want to be part of the action. Volunteer roles include early morning set-up, front and back of house food service, guest experience, the merch tent, and end-of-day tear-down and clean-up. All volunteers receive free food and commemorative T-shirt. For more information, contact Liz Bleacher at 717-848-1587 ext. 226 or ebleacher@yorkhistorycenter.org.
The Fall Oyster Festival is the History Center’s premier annual fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the preservation of artifacts, historic sites and community programming throughout the year.
For more information, visit www.yorkhistorycenter.org/falloysterfest.
Media contacts
YORK COUNTY HISTORY CENTER: Dan Fink, dfink@yorkhistorycenter.org, 717-848-1587 ext. 216
WHITE ROSE BAR & GRILL: Natalie Sibol, natalie@wrbg.com, 717-891-3683
About the York County History Center
The York County History Center, a nonprofit organization, inspires the exploration of the rich history, diverse people, and vibrant culture of York County, Pennsylvania, and the United States. Housing more than 90,000 artifacts, the collection spans nearly 300 years of York County’s history, showcasing its development and spotlighting the many community contributions. The History Center’s Library & Archives is generally considered one of the best local history and genealogy libraries in the state. The History Center was named a USA Today Best New Museum of 2024.
About White Rose Bar & Grill
Located in the heart of Downtown York, White Rose Bar & Grill is a go-to spot for a vibrant dining experience where tradition meets creativity. Its menu features bold, dynamic flavor profiles, crafted to surprise, delight and satisfy. From casual lunches and dinners with friends to late-night drinks, White Rose Bar & Grill offers an inviting atmosphere, exceptional service, and an ever-evolving menu that has set the tone at this local, family-owned favorite since 1933.