Put on your lederhosen and party German-style at Batavia Oktoberfest
There's more than one way to enjoy Batavia Oktoberfest this weekend.
Competitive beer stein hoisting is a popular favorite. Hungry revelers will key in on the bratwurst and schnitzel. And animal lovers will get a charge out of watching wiener dogs race to the finish line.
It's frolic, German-style, and organizers hope to see visitors dress the part.
"We encourage people to come in their dirndls and lederhosen and people do show up in their dirndls and lederhosen, so it's very fun," said Jamie Saam of Batavia MainStreet.
The nonprofit business organization is observing its fourth annual Oktoberfest Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27-29, with live music, polka dancing, yodeling and games.
New this year is a fortified Family Day on Sunday.
"We're really amping up family day," said Saam. "There's really a lot for families. Most of the programming is centered around kids."
That includes a Sunday program that features puppet shows, free pony rides, A Step Above Dance Academy performances, face painting and, at 11:30 a.m., wiener dog races.
"That's new this year. We've talked about it for years. We've already got 35 dogs registered," said Saam.
Dachshunds, famous for their hot dog-shaped bodies, floppy ears and little, but fast, legs will compete for recognition as the quickest Oktoberfest-attending wiener dogs.
Saam said the festival exhibits a definitive German influence, modeled after similar celebrations held in Munich this time of year.
"Ever since our Oktoberfest started, we've always had German music. We do stick with the German theme," she said.
Freeze Dried Music brings its polka fusion music to the festival tent from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, the music starts with the Mike Knauf Quartet at noon, then flows into shows featuring Jimmy's Bavarians at 3 p.m., and The Johnny Wagner Band at 6:30 p.m. The Sgt. Sauerkraut Polka Band will take the stage Sunday afternoon.
Sam Adams stein hoisting contests for both men and women will be held Friday and Saturday nights.
Saam said Batavia Mainstreet is partnering with Schnitzel Platz, a Glendale Heights German restaurant, to bring a variety of German fare to Oktoberfest. Food from Batavia's Team Fib barbecue catering service also will be available for purchase, she said.
For the fitness-minded, there will be a
Brat Trot 5K race at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Oktoberfest is presented in Batavia's downtown under weather-sheltering tents.
"River Street from Wilson to Spring is closed to traffic," Saam said. Saam said parking is available on side streets, in the parking garage at Washington and State streets, and on Houston Street.
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Fourth annual Batavia Oktoberfest
When: 4:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29
Where: Downtown Batavia on North River Street, between Wilson and Spring streets
Admission: Free
Info: downtownbatavia.com