By TERRI CASTELAZ
Iron Mountain
news of the day
The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority’s annual Oktoberfest opens Saturday with traditional German music.
The authentic Bavarian festival, sponsored by First National Bank & Trust, runs from noon to 11pm CT. in the parking lot at the intersection of East A and Iron Mountain streets.
Maestro Mark Klossner will return to host the annual festivities. He will manage to cheer people up at 12:10
“He’s great at getting everyone involved—he’s an Oktoberfest novelist,” said Mindy Meyers, DDA program director.
“We’re excited — we want Iron Mountain to have that rich Oktoberfest feel.”
The Red River Band will open the day’s entertainment, playing a variety of polka music from 12:30-2:30pm with K-Blitz from 3-5:45pm.
“K-Blitz played our third Thursday event in May and they were a lot of fun,” said Kenzie Williamsen, DDA event coordinator. “We’ve brought them back, we think they’ll fit well into the Oktoberfest schedule.”
“They play many of today’s hits and yesterday’s favorites,” Meyers added.
Popular local variety band 141 North will close out the night from 6:15 to 10:30 p.m.
Myers said they are a big draw with the local community.
The Men’s and Women’s Tens Contest is back by popular demand.
The event, which takes place from 3 to 4 p.m., is free, but participants must be 21 or older. The winner of each series must be present for the championship round at 5:15 p.m. The winners of the overall competition will receive their own “The Ship” glass of beer
The contest Ms. Oktoberfest starts at 4:30pm and the winner is crowned at 5pm
Competitors must be dressed in dirndl or other German attire and will be asked to pronounce various German words.
“They will also have to do a blind taste test to identify the Oktoberfest beers,” Meyers said.
“This is a fun competition; you don’t have to be serious about it.”
There’s still time to sign up for the stein and Ms contests. Oktoberfest on the website or links on the DDA Facebook page.
Attendees can enjoy games of hammerschlagen, where participants try to drive a nail into a tree stump with a single swing, also for fun.
The children’s area will be open for activities and the bounce houses will be available from noon to 4pm “We’re bringing back the mischief and magic for face painting and balloon animals,” said Williamson.
Oktoberfest beers on tap include Leinenkugel’s, Bell’s, Samuel Adams, Hacker-Pschorr, Blackrocks and Keweenaw Blueberry and Keweenaw Blonde. They will also offer a variety of craft beers, seltzers, twisted teas and wine coolers.
“We’ll also have three autumn wines, including Witches Brew mulled wine, also at the beer station.” Meyers said.
Northside Meats and Spiro’s will offer traditional Bavarian food; along with pretzels from Dulce Nulla Gourmet Desserts and cookies from Velveteen Cake Co.
Cousin Mike’s Hot Dog and Catering will be on site from noon to 6pm for the kids.
The DDA will also have a popcorn station this year.
Volunteers are still needed for the third shift from 8.15pm to 11.30pm to close the event.
“It’s super fun – enjoy 141 North while they play, plus free admission, drink tickets and a fun new t-shirt for our volunteers this year.” Meyers said. Those interested can access the DDA website or the Facebook page to sign up.
The DDA will have their Oktoberfest merchandise available, including glasses, t-shirts and hoodies.
“This is a fundraiser; hopefully as the night gets colder, they’ll want to buy a hoodie.” Meyers said, noting that they sold out at Italian Fest.
“We have new colored hoodies for Oktoberfest,” Williamsen added.
Tickets are $10 at the door. Attendees must purchase beverage tickets for beer, wine, pop or water. Sellers will take cash or credit/debit cards.
The festival is one of the main fundraisers for the Downtown Development Authority.
“So far the weather looks great” said Williamson.
“We hope everyone will come out in their German lederhosen and dirndls for the event,” Meyers said. “We’re really looking forward to the festival and enjoying the community; it’s going to be a fun day.”
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