Annual event includes a 5K, a chili cook-off, wine and beer tasting and more
By Heather Ruenz
Those looking to celebrate the German tradition should consider a stop at Elkhorn Oktoberfest. The event, held in the Veterans Park area and adjacent block of Wisconsin Street, will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this Saturday, Oct. 19.
Now in its 14th 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.
Closed early last year due to high winds, rain and even sleet, Clapper is hopeful the weather this year will be more cooperative.
To kick off this year’s event, the Elkhorn Area School District is handling the 5K run/walk, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. on the Oktoberfest grounds with the path making its way through the town and fairgrounds before returning to downtown.
Jon Anzalone, the community engagement coordinator for the EASD, said proceeds from the 5K event will benefit the district’s Education Foundation. It’s a nonprofit, independent organization that connects the community and local schools in an effort to inspire and enhance the educational experience for its students.
“Another great thing about the foundation is through the make a gift link on the website donors can make a single donation of any amount – no matter how large or small, or schedule a monthly recurring donation,” Anzalone said. “Any donation is valuable to the foundation. Donors can also request their donation be for a specific area or project that speaks to them.”
For more about the Foundation or to make a donation, visit easdef.org.
Registration for the 5K for adults is $35; for students in grades K-12, it’s $20. It opens at 8:30 a.m. and the run/walk will begin at 9:30 a.m.
Participants will receive a long-sleeved t-shirt and awards will be given to the top finishers in each age group. Adults 21 and older will receive a commemorative beer/wine glass and two free samples at Oktoberfest’s beer and wine tasting. Those younger than the age of 21 will be given a free root beer. To register for the 5K, visit oktoberfest.5k.run.
Below is a breakdown of other activities going on during Elkhorn Oktoberfest.
Chili Cook-Off
Attendees can expect community members to “bring the heat” once again for the annual chili cook-off. It will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Cash prizes of $200, $100 and $50 will go to the top three, respectively, as voted on by the tasters.
Competitors are asked to make 10-12 quarts of warm chili (no pasta in it) and deliver it to the chili cook-off event area by 11 a.m., Saturday. Chili cookers must provide a server for the cook-off. The winners will be announced at 2 p.m.
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.
Competitors who have not yet registered for the chili cook-off are asked to do so with the Elkhorn Chamber by Friday, Oct. 18.
Car show
This year will feature the 10th Annual Classic Car Show, held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Walworth County Government Center off of Court Street.
There is no pre-registration and space is limited on a first come, first served basis. 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. The event is held rain or shine and spectators can cast their vote for the Peoples Choice Award.
Raise a stein
Step inside Pocket Park and on Wisconsin Street for a taste of German beer and wine along with some seasonal favorites from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission to the wine and beer tasting area 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; Toe To Toe Ballet School; and the Walworth County Cloggers.
Clapper said it’s a great opportunity to showcase local groups and show them off to the community as well as visitors from other areas.
“A lot of these groups perform on closed stages so people don’t always know about them. This is a way for them to show what they can do,” she said.
Bringing live music to Oktoberfest will be The Amazing Farm Boys at 11 a.m., and at 2 p.m., The Spectaculars.
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 100 vendors and crafters showcasing handcrafted items, antiques, produce and plants, home party consultants and more.
For the kids
A variety of activities will also be available for the young Oktoberfest goers. In addition to a bounce house and slide (for a small fee), there will be games and activities.
“This is a family-friendly event so we try to offer activities for the kids, too,” Clapper said.
Shuttle service
Free 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.
Also this year, the winner of the playhouse built as a fundraiser for New Beginnings APFV, will be announced. The project was a community partnership between Wausau Homes-Elkhorn and a group of Elkhorn Area Middle School students.
Last but not least, the chamber relies on numerous volunteers throughout the day at Oktoberfest including: beer and wine tent; beer and wine ticket table; chili tent; kids’ game and activity areas; set up and take down and more.
For more information, contact the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce at 262-723-5788 or visit elkhornchamber.com.
