By Kellen Olshefski
Editor
Chilis, beer and wine, live music and vendors will all be returning to Elkhorn’s Veteran’s Park on the City Square this weekend meaning only one thing: the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce’s Oktoberfest is back.
Hosting the annual event for its ninth year, the event continues to grow as folks from around the area gather under the changing leaves downtown to experience a little slice of the German tradition in one of Elkhorn’s largest events.
Chris Clapper, executive director of the Chamber, said this year’s event will continue to offer the favorites of yesteryears including a chili cook-off, beer and wine, tasting, live music and a classic car show.
Unlike in previous years however, Clapper said the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce will not be holding a kids’ costume parade; at least not at Oktoberfest.
“We’ve actually found that Scare on the Square did better with that, being it’s closer to Halloween,” she said.
Scare on the Square is being held Oct. 25 in downtown Elkhorn.
However, Clapper noted there will be plenty of activities for children including a bounce house and slide, pumpkin decorating, and face painting. Additionally, fire, rescue and S.W.A.T. vehicles will all be in attendance for children’s enjoyment.
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.
As for the chili cook-off, Clapper said they currently have 15 different chilis entered. Technically, the deadline to enter the contest was Monday, however, Clapper said interested parties are welcome to give the Chamber a call if they’d like to enter a chili as they don’t have a problem with more.
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.”
Clapper said the event has grown tremendously over the years, noting as of Monday they had 152 craft or merchant vendors, up again from the previous year. Better yet, Clapper said craft and merchant vendors were still calling to book a spot.
Clapper said vendors and merchants are coming from not only all over the state (as far north as Hayward), but additionally from all over the Midwest, noting vendors from Illinois and Minnesota that will be in attendance Saturday.
“It’s not just Delavan and Elkhorn people,” she said.
Besides support vendors provide to help the Chamber profit on the fall festival, Clapper said outside vendors are also contributing to the city as tourists. As it is an all-day event, Clapper said they’re often coming into town and spending money at local businesses, restaurants and even hotels.
“There’s an impact on our restaurants, our gas stations,” she said. “It’s just an overall good impact on the community.”
Additionally, Clapper said the Chamber will be introducing its new Christmas Card for this year, which marks the organizations 18th commissioned painting. The card will be unveiled at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.
“Come and enjoy the downtown community and everything it has to offer,” she said.
Experience Oktoberfest
• Wine and beer tasting, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Pocket Park
• Chili cook-off and tasting, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Classic car show, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the North Parking Lot of the Walworth County Government Center
Activity stage line up
• AKF Flying Dragons, 10:30 a.m.
• Toe to Toe Ballet, 11:30 a.m.
• Walworth County Cloggers, 12:30 p.m.
Main stage line up
• Ripple Effect, 1 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 www.elkhornchamber.com.
