It includes a car show, wine and beer tasting, a chili cook-off and community groups
By Heather Ruenz
Staff Writer
For those looking to celebrate the German tradition in an event that’s suitable for the entire family, consider a stop at Elkhorn Oktoberfest. The event, held in Veterans Park and the adjacent block of Wisconsin Street, will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20.
Now in its 13th year, it’s grown into the largest event the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce oversees.
“It’s crazy how big of an event it’s grown into,” Chris Clapper, executive director of the chamber, said.
The numbers support Clapper’s claim as every facet of the event have grown, from event sponsors and wine and beer tasting to vendor booths and chili tasting participants.
Below is a breakdown of the activities going on during Elkhorn Oktoberfest.
Car show
This year will feature the 9th Annual Oktoberfest Car Show will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the north parking lot of the Walworth County Government Center. There is no pre-registration, the first 75 entries will receive dash plaques and there’s a Peoples Choice award.
While there is no fee to enter the car show, the suggested donation is $5 or five non-perishable food items – all of which will go to the Elkhorn Food Pantry.
Chili cook-off
Attendees can expect community members to “bring the heat” for the annual chili cook-off. It will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cash prizes will go to the top three chili recipes as voted on by the tasters.
There is no entry fee to compete in the chili cook-off and it’s open to individuals and businesses. The cost to sample chili is $5, which offers tastings from any or all of the competitors present.
The deadline to register with the chamber to be in the chili cook-off is Oct. 15.
Run/walk
The Elkhorn Oktoberfest 5K run/2-mile walk will begin at the Walworth County Fairgrounds and end at the Oktoberfest site.
Through Oct. 14, registration for adults is $30; for students in grades K-12, it’s $15. Beginning Oct. 15 the fees increase by $5.
Participants will receive a long-sleeved t-shirt and goodie bag and awards will be given to the top finishers in each age group. Adults 21 and older will receive admission to the beer and wine tasting; those 21 and younger a free root beer.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the run/walk at 9:30 a.m. To register, visit oktoberfest.5k.run.
Raise a stein
The official tapping of the keg is set for 11 a.m., followed by wine and beer tasting and stein-holding contests until 5 p.m.
Admission to the wine and beer tasting tent is $12 a person and includes a commemorative Oktoberfest glass and six tastings of beer or wine.
Guests are also invited to cheer on participants as they hold a weighted-down stein with their arm outstretched, or better yet, join the fun.
“Anyone can participate in the stein-holding contest and there’s no cost to do so,” Clapper said.
Entertainment
Several local groups will perform on the community stage at Oktoberfest including: Dreams Studio of Performing Arts; the Elkhorn Flying Dragons; Toe To Toe Ballet; and the Walworth County Cloggers.
Clapper said it’s great to showcase local groups at a community event.
“A lot of these groups perform on closed stages so people don’t always know about them. This exposes them to the community,” she said.
After the community groups have wrapped up their performances, there will be live music.
Food/vendors
In addition to the chili, there will be a variety of food vendors on site in an effort to offer something for everyone, according to Clapper.
And for those wanting to do a little shopping, there will be more than 130 vendors – selling everything from crafts and artwork to commercial items.
For the kids
A variety of activities will also be offered for the young Oktoberfest goers. In addition to a bounce house and slide (for a small fee), kids will have the opportunity to decorate pumpkins and more.
“This is a family-friendly event so we try to offer activities for the kids that are fun and relate to fall,” Clapper said.
Shuttle service
Shuttle services from the parking lot off of Highway 11 across from the Walworth County Fairgrounds to Oktoberfest will be offered during the event.
There is no charge for parking at the fairgrounds and parking downtown will be limited, with Wisconsin Street between Moy’s and Friends on the Square being shut down for the event.
The other major event held in conjunction with Oktoberfest is the unveiling of this year’s Christmas card. Elkhorn is known as Christmas Card Town and each year a new card is designed.
For those wanting a commemorative piece from Oktoberfest, there will be long-sleeved t-shirts, buttons and steins available for purchase.
For more information, contact the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce at 262-723-5788 or visit elkhornchamber.com.
