The Jacksonville Oktoberfest is set for Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. This fun, family-friendly festival includes live music, German food specialties, games and contests, dog parade and races, Oktoberfest beers, home brew beers, wine, and so much more! The event runs from noon to 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for the event are $4 in advance and $5 at the gate. Advance tickets are available from any Rotarian or at Jacksonville County Market. This event is a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Jacksonville, benefiting Jacksonville area projects.

Food sales and beer wagon get underway at noon. This year’s menu will feature traditional German food including the popular “German Meal” as well as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and other treats.

The official “Wilkommen” ceremony and Tapping of the Kegs is set to take place at 12:30 p.m. on the Main Stage. There will be a great selection of beers and wines available all day. Draft German beers will be featured and American beers will be available in cans. Red, white and Sangria wines will be provided by Waters Edge Winery & Bistro.

The Homebrew Competition returns this year, with local brewers offering their best brews from 1:00 to 5:00.

Entertainment will feature Tony Blazonczyk’s New Phaze with their high energy polka music from noon to 3:00, with local favorite musicians in the Hot Town Trio on stage from 4:00 to 7:00.

Entertaining games and contests will take place throughout the grounds, including Keg Toss, Stein Endurance, and the “Dachshund Dash.” At 1:30, costumed dogs of all sizes and breeds can participate in the “Costume Dog Parade” (Entry fee only $5). Toss for Autism will again be administering the Oktoberfest Cornhole Tournament. Entry fee is $40 per two-person team with cash prizes for the top three teams. Registration opens at 1:00 p.m. and Bags fly at 2:00 p.m.

There will also be an Oktoberfest souvenir shop where kids of all ages can buy items to help celebrate everyone’s favorite festival of the season!