Annual celebration to continue expanded operations
By Kellen Olshefski
SLN Staff
With Oktoberfest traditionally being a German celebration of the tapping of Marzen-style beers, typically brewed in March and ready for consumption in late September, the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing expanded operations from last year, following in the suit of tradition and offering more beer to its patrons.
Like last year, the beer tent will again spill out of Elkhorn’s Pocket Park into an expanded beer tent along North Wisconsin Street.
Chris Clapper, executive director of the Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce, said the beer tent is continuing its expanded beer and wine tasting, a popular change made to the event last year.
This year, organizers aim to maintain an expanded selection of various types of different beers from breweries they visited in working towards a broad selection.
Beer selection this year will again focus on authentic German beers and wine. Also like last year, beer selection will focus on Wisconsin breweries such as New Glarus, Capital and Lakefront breweries.
Those who attend Oktoberfest will receive a commemorative mug as well as sampling tickets to sample the beers available.
While in the past attendees have only been able to purchase samplings, organizers changed the setup last year, allowing an attendee who finds something they really like to purchase a full drink.
With expanded beer and wine options, Clapper said this year’s event will also continue to offer the favorites of yesteryears including the annual chili cook-off, a beer stein holding contest, live music, entertainment from community groups, various vendors and a classic car show.
As in previous years, North Wisconsin Street will be closed off from Moy’s to Friends on the Square to provide space for live music and additional vendors in the downtown area.
The annual chili cook-off contest and tasting will again take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in conjunction with the event, with first, second and third place prizes being awarded in the People’s Choice Contest and prizes ranging from $50 to $200 for the three winners.
Because of the popularity of last year’s Chili Cook-off, Clapper said the contest will feature both an amateur and professional division this year. The professional division is open to contestants working in the food service industry only.
The Chamber requires entry forms be completed and turned in by the Monday prior to the Chamber Office. Contestants are asked to bring at least 10-quarts of warmed chili (no pasta) in a Nesco or large crock-pot and contestants must provide a server. Contestants must stay until contest winners are announced at about 2 p.m.
The seventh annual Elkhorn Oktoberfest Classic Car Show will be held in the north parking lot of the Walworth County Government Center, along Court Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Five non-perishable food items or a $5 donation to the Elkhorn Food Pantry are appreciated with entry and Clapper said the first 75 cars will receive dash plaques. Space is limited and there will also be a People’s Choice Award for the best classic car.
Clapper said people have told her in past years they love that it is a family friendly event, providing plenty of opportunities for attendees of all ages.
“People feel comfortable that they can purchase a wrist band for their child so they can go play over there and mom and dad can walk around,” she said.
“There’s something for everyone. The guys who want to can go look at cars, the women can shop and then they can go meet in the beer and wine tent.”
Additionally, Clapper said the Chamber will be introducing its new Christmas Card for this year, which marks the organization’s 19th commissioned painting. The card will be unveiled at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and a limited quantity of this year’s card will be available for purchase.
Clapper said with limited parking downtown during the event, organizers have also set up a shuttle service this year. The shuttle service will run from the Walworth County Fairgrounds main parking lot on East Court Street directly across from the fair’s main gates to the Oktoberfest grounds downtown.
Schedule of events
- Wine and beer tasting, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Pocket Park and on North Wisconsin Street;
- Chili cook-off and tasting, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and
- Classic car show, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the North Parking Lot of the Walworth County Government Center
Activity stage line up
- Dreams Studio of Performing Arts, 9 a.m.;
- Elkhorn Flying Dragons, 10 a.m.;
- Toe To Toe Ballet, 11 a.m.; and
- Walworth County Cloggers, noon.
Main stage line up
- Falling Rock, 2 to 5 p.m.
For more information on the event call the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism at (262) 723-5788 or visit elkhornchamber.com.
