The 9th Annual Old Settlers Oktoberfest will be held noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Old Settlers Park, 24100 75th St., in Paddock Lake.
The festivities will include authentic German food and beverages, live music and dancing, a classic car show, kids’ games and activities, the Dachshund Dash, a stein-hoisting competition and raffles. Admission and parking are free.
“It’s a slice of German culture, smack dab in the middle of Kenosha County,” County Executive Jim Kreuser said of the festivities, which are sponsored by Kreuser, Kenosha County Parks and the nonprofit Old Settlers Oktoberfest organization.
Proceeds from the event will go toward the eventual construction of a permanent band shelter in Old Settlers Park. To date, the Oktoberfest group has raised more than $70,000 of its $100,000 goal.
Among the most popular attractions since the event began is the Dachshund Dash, in which dachshunds and dachshund mixes vie for the honors of Top Dog and Hot Dog. Immediately following the Dachshund Dash, there will be an Open Class/All Breed Dog Dash. All dogs are welcome to participate in the open-class event.
The daylong festivities will kick off officially at noon, when County Board Supervisor John Poole will tap the ceremonial keg of beer.
Event Schedule:
- 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Classic car show
- Noon-8 p.m.: Beer, wine, food and merchandise tents open; live music by the Ed Wagner Brass Band
- Noon-7 p.m.: Silent auction
- Noon-5 p.m.: Kids’ games
- 12:30-2:30 p.m.: Kids’ tractor train rides
- 1 p.m.: Dachshund Dash and All-Breed Dog Dash (registration begins at noon)
- 2, 3, 5 and 6 p.m.: Performances by the D’Oberlanders Dance Crew
- 2:30 p.m.: Performance by magician “Magic Dave”
- 5:30 p.m.: Stein-hoisting competition
- 7 p.m.: Raffle drawing
Other attractions and activities throughout the day will include German street organs, hammerschlagen, chainsaw carving and more.
“Old Settlers Oktoberfest has become a wonderful tradition in our community,” said Rebecca Lancour, president of the Old Settlers Oktoberfest organization. “It’s a great day to simply take a break and spend quality time with your family, friends and neighbors.”