The Jacksonville Oktoberfest is set for Saturday, Sept. 20 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 and wine, and so much more! The event runs from noon to 7:00 p.m.
Food, beer and wine sales get underway at noon. 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 bottles. Red, white and Sangria wines will be available. This year’s menu will feature traditional German food including bratwurst, sauerkraut, and other treats.
The official “Willkommen” ceremony and Tapping of the Kegs is set to take place at 12:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Entertainment will feature Tony Blazonczyk’s New Phaze with their high energy polka music from noon to 3:00, with local favorite musicians in Trio DeGroove 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.” There is no entrance fee for the dog races and dog parade, but donations will be accepted. Toss for Autism will again be administering the Oktoberfest Cornhole Tournament. Entry fee is $40 per two-person team with cash prizes for the winners. Registration opens at noon and Bags fly at 1:00 p.m. Games and activities for kids will be happening from 1:00 to 6:00.
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!
Tickets for the event are $4 in advance and $5 at the gate. Advance tickets are available from any Rotarian. Rotary President Kelly Pool said, “Last year our Rotary Club donated more than $36,500 in college scholarships and grants to local organizations. This event is our largest annual fundraiser. We hope everyone will plan to meet their friends for a fun day, while helping support the charitable aims of our Rotary Club.”
For more info about Oktoberfest, visit https://jacksonvillerotary.org/oktoberfest/.