Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Oktoberfest took place Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. This fun, family-friendly festival included live music, German food specialties, games and contests, dog parade and races, Oktoberfest beers, home brew beers, wine and so much more! The event ran from noon to 7 p.m.
This ticketed event was a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Jacksonville, benefiting Jacksonville area projects.
Food sales and beer wagon got underway at noon. This year’s menu featured 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 took place at 12:30 p.m. on the main stage. A great selection of beers and wines was available all day. Draft German beers were featured and American beers were available in cans.
There was also a beer tasting area, with local brewers offering their best homebrews, as well as a selection of German beers, beginning at 1 p.m.
Entertainment featured Tony Blazonczyk’s New Phaze, with their high energy polka music from noon to 3 p.m., with local favorite musicians in the Hot Town Trio on stage from 4-7 that evening.
Entertaining games and contests took place throughout the grounds, including Keg Toss, Stein Endurance and the “Dachshund Dash.” At 1:30 p.m., costumed dogs of all sizes and breeds could participate in the “Costume Dog Parade.” Additionally, Toss for Autism again administered the Oktoberfest Cornhole Tournament. There was also an Oktoberfest souvenir shop, where kids of all ages could buy items to help celebrate everyone’s favorite festival of the season!
For more info about Oktoberfest, visit http://jacksonvillerotary.org/oktoberfest/.
