Elkhorn’s annual fall celebration expanding operations
By Kellen Olshefski
Editor
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 expanding its operations for its tenth year, following in the suit of tradition and offering more beer to its patrons.
While the beer tent has been contained to Elkhorn’s Pocket Park in the past, in its tenth year, the beer tent will be expanding outside the park, now including a section of North Wisconsin Street, with the annual ceremonial “tapping of the keg” occurring at 11 a.m.
Chris Clapper, executive director of the Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce, said the beer tent is expanding its beer and wine tasting based on comments from attendees, who have wanted more variety in beer.
“So, this year we concentrated more on beer,” she said.
This year, Clapper said they’ve created a selection of various types of different beers from various Wisconsin breweries she visited in working towards a broad selection.
“We’ve really added a lot of craft and IPA, but still kept with that Oktoberfest theme,” she said. “It’s not going to be your Coors Light, Miller Lite type of event. There’s going to be some specialty.”
Beer selection this year will include:
- Lakefront Brewery’s Pumpking Lager, IPA, and Oktoberfest;
- Milwaukee Brewing Company’s Louie’s Demise and Hopster;
- Capital Brewery’s Oktoberfest, Wisconsin Amber and Mutiny IPA;
- Samuel Adams’ Angry Orchard, Sinful Seasonal and Crisp Apple;
- Spaten’s Oktoberfest;
- and New Glarus’s Spotted Cow, Staghorn Oktoberfest and Pumpkin Pie Lust.
Clapper said for next year’s they aim to redefine some of their wines, pushing to add some higher-end wine selections. This year’s wines will be announced in the first week of October.
“We’re doing small things to improve based on what people have asked for,” she said.
With younger crowds being fans of craft and IPA beers, Clapper said they’re hoping to draw from those crowds as well as the crowds of past years.
Those who attend Oktoberfest will receive a commemorative mug, differing from last year’s, as well as sampling tickets to sample the beers available.
Additionally new to this year, where in the past attendees have only been able to purchase samplings, this year, Clapper said they’ve worked it in where if an attendee finds something they really like and want a full beer, it’s something they can get.
With the new excitement of expanded beer options, Clapper said this year’s event will also continue to offer the favorites of yesteryears including the annual chili cook-off, 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 will again be held from 11:30-1:30 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.
The Chamber requires entry forms be completed and turned in by Oct. 12 to the Chamber Office. Contestants are asked to bring at least 8-quarts of warmed chili (no pasta) in a Nesco or large crockpot and contestants must provide a server. Contestants must stay until contest winners are announced at about 2 p.m.
The Sixth 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 3 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.
New this year as well, the City of Elkhorn Parks and Recreation Department will be holding it’s Lights and Ladders event from 9 a.m. to noon on South Broad Street, out in front of Elkhorn City Hall and the fire and rescue department. This event offers families to get up close and personal with some of the city and county’s cars, trucks and utility vehicles, ranging from fire trucks and ambulances to electric utility trucks and ATVs.
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.
“Come and enjoy the downtown community and everything it has to offer,” she said.
