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‘A full day of Bavarian fun’

Oktoberfest returns to downtown IM on Sept. 26

By TERRI CASTELAZ, Staff Writer 7 min read

IRON MOUNTAIN -- Dust off the polka shoes, brush up on your German and get ready to prost.

The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority will host its 12th-annual Oktoberfest from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the downtown stage parking lot at the intersection of Iron Mountain and Hughitt streets.

The annual fall festival will feature live music, German food and drinks, competitions, children's activities, games and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the culture.

"It's a full day of Bavarian fun for the whole family," said DDA Event Coordinator Katherine DeMars.

Music will get the festival underway at noon with Norton & Chartier. The local act will perform as a trio with a special guest. "We are looking forward to having them kick off the day with us," she said.

After a short break, Dorf Kapelle, a 25-piece polka band from the Appleton, Wis., area, will take the stage at about 2:45 p.m. The band is returning after a popular appearance at last year's Oktoberfest.

"We're super excited to have them back," DeMars said. "If you missed them, now's your chance. They will for sure get you up and moving and polka dancing. And if you're not sure how, they'll lead you in a few dances and cheers."

The local Govern band will close out the evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m., performing hits from the 1990s and 2000s.

"They're also going to have you up and dancing -- they are so much fun," DeMars said.

The Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area is sponsoring the music.

Among the day's activities will be the Mr. and Ms. Oktoberfest competition from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Participants will be quizzed on Oktoberfest attire, trivia and German words. Registration is available in advance online, with participation limited to 10 men and women.

"We had great participation last year and we can't wait to do it again," DeMars said. "It's always a fun little tradition we're trying to grow."

In addition to earning the title of "Mr. Oktoberfest" and "Ms. Oktoberfest" for the year, winners will receive a sash and crown, as well as having the honors to crown next year's winners.

The popular stein-holding competition will follow the second band's performance, approximately 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.

Last year's competition drew 30 men and 20 women, making for a lengthy event. This year, the DDA has added 12 steins, so 10 men and 10 women can compete simultaneously.

"It's hilarious and everyone has a great time with it -- it's also a little bit more difficult than you think," DeMars said.

The last ones standing will take home a bierstiefel, or glass beer boot, along with bragging rights.

Participants can register in advance online or sign up at the festival. Registration will be capped at 30 men and 30 women to keep the competition moving.

Guests can also try hammerschlagen, a traditional German game in which players take turns driving nails into a wooden stump using the wedge end of a hammer.

"It's a traditional Oktoberfest game that everyone gets a kick out of," she said.

For those looking for a more familiar form of competition, the DDA will provide cornhole and giant Jenga, weather permitting.

Food will be another major attraction. Millie's Market is returning with a menu of authentic German dishes and desserts.

"They always do a wonderful job providing a great menu, including desserts," DeMars said.

Harmony Hearth Bakery of Iron Mountain will bring back its popular sourdough pretzels, along with several German desserts like Black Forest cake, apple cake, German cookies and dessert pretzel bites served with icing.

Those who missed out on pretzels last year should have better luck this time.

"She has been baking since early July and freezing the pretzels. So, she is ready to serve up a number of pretzels," DeMars said.

New this year is Dublin's Patty Wagon from the Eagle River, Wis., area. While the food truck traditionally specializes in Irish fare, its menu for Oktoberfest will lean toward German-inspired dishes.

"We're super grateful to have them driving over," DeMars said.

The DDA has planned a wide selection of beer and wine.

Nine beers will be available on tap, including four Oktoberfest selections from Bell's, Samuel Adams, Fox River Brewing and Leinenkugel's, along with Keweenaw Brewing Co. favorites Blueberry, Pickaxe Blonde and Widow Maker.

Non-alcoholic Oktoberfest beer options will be offered, along with canned beverages such as Angry Orchard, Twisted Tea and White Claw.

Five varieties of wine will be available -- Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry, Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer, Leelanau Witches Brew Apple, Ste. Michelle Riesling and Josh Rose.

"There'll be plenty of drinks and different varieties," DeMars said.

Billie's will also be on hand with pop and water, along with dirty sodas, fresh-squeezed lemonade and hot chocolate.

The children's area will be open from noon to 6 p.m.

"There will be awesome inflatables from ACA Jumps," DeMars said.

Activities will include an obstacle course, toddler playland, giant slide and bounce house.

D's Creative Faces will return with face painting for five tickets, or $5.

Festival merchandise will include two new Oktoberfest steins -- one ceramic and one glass -- priced at $10 each. Traditional alpine hats also will be available for anyone who arrives without their Oktoberfest attire.

For those wondering what to wear, DeMars said traditional options include lederhosen and alpine hats for men and dirndls, flower crowns and braided crowns for women. But traditional clothing isn't required.

"You could also just come and hang out and just wear a cute fall outfit," she said. "There's a link on the Oktoberfest event page on the DDA website that offers several sites to purchase an outfit for the occasion."

The DDA is teaming up with Run Iron Mountain to host both events on the same day. Participants and volunteers in the race will receive $5 off Oktoberfest admission. They will need to show their race bib or other proof of participation.

The festival is also looking for volunteers, particularly for the third shift.

Third-shift volunteers will receive $15 in drink tokens and food vouchers, while volunteers working the other two shifts will receive $10 in incentives. All volunteers receive free admission.

"It's a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look," DeMars said.

Admission is $10 at the gate, with cash and card accepted. Children 12 and younger get in free.

The DDA thanked the Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area for its support as music sponsor, as well as platinum sponsors Northern Interstate Bank, Danielson Insurance and First National Bank & Trust.

"This wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors and volunteers," DeMars said.

"We appreciate your investment in our festivals as well," DeMars said.

Oktoberfest is more than a celebration -- it also serves as a fundraiser for the DDA.

The organization will sell 50-50 raffle tickets, with proceeds benefiting Friends of the Iron Mountain DDA. The organization helps organize free downtown events and supports other downtown revitalization efforts.

Festival proceeds also support DDA programs, including building improvement grants, downtown beautification and other improvements.

The weekly Farmers & Artisans Market will be moved across U.S. 2 to the large downtown parking lot behind Queen City Running. Several downtown businesses also are expected to have sidewalk sales during the festival.

With music, food, competitions and family activities scheduled throughout the day, DeMars said organizers look forward to welcoming the community back downtown for another Oktoberfest.

"So far the weather looks to be a fantastic fall day. We are excited for another successful festival," she said.

For more information about Oktoberfest, volunteer opportunities or other events, go to the DDA's website at downtownironmountain.com.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.

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