The 2022 World Series, pitting the Philadelphia Phillies against the Houston Astros, is a big deal to fervent and casual fans alike. Across the county over the next five days, Montgomery Countians will be swathed in red, gathering in area bars and restaurants, cheering as they haven’t done since 2009 — the last time the Fightin’s took the National League Championship Series.

The connectedness of watching these games is half the fun. Instead of being parked in a Barcalounger eating stale guacamole, why not join with fellow fervent fans?

The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board lists plenty of ways to prep for and celebrate Red October.

Dressing for the Occasion

Red and white are the colors of the day for this battle (although a few green-white representations of Eagles will probably be tolerated). Fans who haven’t updated their Phillies garb since 2009 can get hooked up at the following in-county retailers:

• 2 Fanz, Montgomery Mall, North Wales: The specialty tees here are the reason to go. That and the tie-dye onesies for fans in the toddler age bracket.
• Flocco’s Shoes, Clothes and Formal Wear, Conshohocken: Although this shop may have the rep of a Catholic School uniform staple, it also stocks current and retro Phillies looks. It’s also right across the street from Flanagan’s Boathouse, so fans can don their new jerseys waiting at the crosswalk.
• Jackets ‘n Things, Ambler: A place to gear up before heading to The Lucky Well right down the street
• King of Prussia Mall: Several retailers — from kiosks to big-brand department stores — are stocked and able to hook up fans.
• Rally House, Collegeville: Jerseys, tees, penants, bobbleheads,        caps, glassware, fleece blankets, and even Phanatic plushes; Rally House has it all.
• Second Chance Thrift Shoppe, Jenkintown: Here’s Phillies style at discount prices. Plus sale proceeds benefit The Women’s Center of Montgomery County.
• Sew Much Cooler, Narberth: This online boutique caters to pint-sized fans, and parents don’t even have to commute there to get merch; it’s all shipped.

Game-Day Specials

Now properly garbed, it’s time to connect with other fans and cheer until hoarse.

The following establishments are offering some form of themed food-drink combos at special baseball-watching prices. Specifics can be obtained online or onsite:

• Big Chief Brewing Company, Horsham
• Corropolese Italian Bakery & Deli, Norristown
• Flanigan’s Boathouse, Conshohocken
• Gypsy Saloon, Conshohocken
• Imprint Beer Company, Hatfield
• Iron Abbey Gastro Pub, Horsham
• King of Prussia Grill & Tavern, King of Prussia
• La Cabra Brewing Smokehouse, Bryn Mawr
• Lochel’s Bakery, Hatboro
• MaGerks Pub & Grill, Horsham, Fort Washington
• McAllister Brewing Company, North Wales
• Peppers by Amedeos, King of Prussia
• Taphouse 23, Bridgeport
• The Lucky Well, Ambler
• Troubles End Brewing, Collegeville
• von C Brewing Company, Norristown
• Workhorse Brewing Co., King of Prussia

Watch Parties

All World Series games will be the center of attention — no muted audio — at the following establishments:

• Five Saints Distilling, Norristown
• J.J. Ratigan Brewing Company, Pottstown
• Yard House, King of Prussia

The Only Thing Left to Do

Given the VFTCB recommendations on how to dress and where to go once properly outfitted, the only thing left to do is cross those fingers and get ready for a wild ride.

Go Phils!