Andrews – The Andrews Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its fourth annual Oktoberfest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday downtown.
This year brings many exciting changes, including a collaboration with the Valleytown Cultural Arts Center, which will serve as the FestHalle this year, chamber Director Nola Cooper said.
“We’re excited to have the VCAC onboard as our FestHalle this year to expand the festival and to give the community a chance to experience a more authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere,” she said.
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This year’s FestHalle will feature local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7620 offering traditional bratwurst and German potato salad for sale. Pick up other traditional German fare from local bakery Homespun Hobbies.
With 70-plus vendors – as well as several local and regional food trucks and live music, some of which will feature traditional German tunes – this year looks to offer more with the return of some favorites. That includes the Beer & Wine Garden along with the KidZone, in the form of being able to meander Main Street with a beverage via a wristband.
“We’re able to offer a sort of social district in that patrons can walk along Main Street with their beverages, as open containers will be allowed this year. We’ve implemented the wristbands that will be required for purchase,” said Cooper, who wants to provide a more free-flowing experience to festival-goers.
There will also be more activities this year, including a costume contest for best Bavarian outfits, ax throwing, a stein-holding contest as well as other activities to enjoy throughout the day.
“We’ve worked to make this year a more authentic experience of Oktoberfest,” Cooper said.
“We’re glad to be able to offer more vendors, more activities and more for everyone to enjoy.”
Live music on the band stage will include local favorites Steve Vaclavik, Brother Band and Betty Vaughan-Grindstaff & Friends beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing at intervals through 5 p.m. There will also be music at the FestHalle in the arts center, with Scott James Stambaugh playing at 12:30 p.m. and traditional German tunes starting at 2 p.m.
Details: Call 8280321-3584 or visit visitandrewsnc.com/oktoberfest.